A Yemeniyah's Recipes

You knew it was tomato season in Aden/Yemen when my mum made this delicious soup. Since I moved to Montgomery/ AL I have been scouting the local farmers markets for fresh vegetables and fruit, and it always seems like tomatoes are in season. So, I think I am going to make this soup often. I simply love it. So, let’s start with the magic word “Bismillah”. You will need [for 3 servings]:

1) 4 large tomatoes [red and ripe]

2) 1/4 stick of butter

3) 1 and 1/2 tsp of cumin [I prefer to buy cumin seeds, roast them and coarsely grind them]

4) 1/4 tsp of fresh ground black pepper

5) salt to taste

4) 2 tblsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

5) 1 and 1/2 tblsp of white flour

In a pot bring some water to a boil. Once it starts boiling, turn it off , slit the tomatoes and leave them in the water for 15 minutes or until you are able to peel the skin off easily. Place them in a blender with 1/2 cup of warm water and blend well. In a pot, under medium low heat melt the butter and mix in the flour to make a rue. Then add the cumin and leave for another minute or so. Then add the blended tomatoes, salt, and pepper and let boil until it thickens to the consistency you like. Usually 15 minutes. Then add the Olive Oil, mix in and serve hot garnished with chopped chives/green onions/or cilantro. Enjoy!