A great example of Turkish regional cuisine is this Turkish Inspired Chicken And Orzo Soup With Garlic And Paprika.
The Turkish word for soup, çorba, is derived from the Persian šurbâ, a combination of the two words’ salty’ and ‘love’.
As is with Western culture cuisine, Turkish soups also serve as an appetiser.
A few simple pantry items make this delicious Turkey inspired soup. They include olive oil, garlic cloves, sweet paprika, tomato paste, chicken thighs, mint and orzo pasta.
The tomato paste and chopped garlic are sautéed in the olive oil before adding the liquid ingredients to release the fat-soluble flavor compounds, which is the savory base of the soup.
Sweet paprika offers bold color and earthy notes, whereas the dried mint infuses the dish with a depth of earthiness to this soup that you simply don’t get with fresh mint.
Simmering the orzo in the broth after the skinless, boneless chicken thighs are fully cooked but tender ensures perfectly cooked pasta, and also adds body to the broth.
A complex but simple Turkish inspired soup that is hearty as well as delicious and you are guaranteed to enjoy every spoonful in less than 40 minutes.
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Turkish Inspired Chicken And Orzo Soup With Garlic And Paprika
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve
⅓ cup tomato paste
4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
2 teaspoons dried mint
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, halved
1 cup orzo pasta
In a large saucepan, combine the oil, tomato paste and garlic. Cook, stirring, until several shades darker. Add the paprika and mint, then cook, stirring, just until fragrant.
Add the chicken, 7 cups water and 2½ teaspoons salt. Simmer, uncovered, until a skewer inserted into the chicken meets no resistance.
Transfer the chicken to a bowl. Add the orzo to the pot and cook until al dente. Shred the chicken.
When the orzo is done, add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Serve drizzled with additional oil, optional.
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- Mango Chipotle Dressing
- Trofie Al Rosso Pesto
This sounds wonderful. I’ve now been to Turkey twice and have fallen in love with the cuisine. At the moment, it’s my favorite!
Thanks. About a year ago I decided I wanted to try new things other than the typical American dishes. We have had a big influx of immigrants to our city. So that is what has inspired me. 👍🏼🍻
I love chicken thighs and my Instant Pot. This was a very cold weather deliciously yummy soup. Thanks for reposting 🤓👍🏼🍻