Shurpa

Shurpa

Şurpa (SHOOR-pah)

Turkmen Lamb Soup

Prep Time 2 hours
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 394 kcal

A hearty clear broth soup loaded with large chunks of bone-in lamb, whole potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes simmered until deeply flavorful.

Nutrition & Info

390 kcal per serving
Protein 28.0g
Carbs 30.0g
Fat 18.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large heavy pot ladle sharp knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep ceramic bowl

Garnishes: fresh cilantro, dill

Accompaniments: chorek flatbread

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place bone-in lamb pieces in a large pot with cold water and bring slowly to a boil, skimming off foam as it rises to the surface.

  2. 2

    Add quartered onion and simmer on low heat for one hour until the lamb is becoming tender and the broth is rich and golden.

  3. 3

    Add potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and bell pepper to the pot and continue simmering for thirty more minutes until vegetables are soft.

  4. 4

    Season with cumin, salt, and black pepper adjusting to taste as the broth should be well seasoned and deeply savory throughout.

  5. 5

    Ladle the soup into large bowls making sure each serving gets a generous piece of lamb and an assortment of vegetables.

  6. 6

    Garnish abundantly with chopped fresh cilantro and dill then serve with warm flatbread on the side for dipping.

💡

Did You Know?

Shurpa is considered a restorative soup in Turkmen culture and is traditionally served to guests as a gesture of warm hospitality.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large heavy pot
  • ladle
  • sharp knife

Garnishing

fresh cilantro, dill

Accompaniments

chorek flatbread

The Story Behind Shurpa

Shurpa is one of the oldest soups in Central Asian cuisine, shared across Turkmen, Uzbek, and other Turkic culinary traditions. The Turkmen version emphasizes large pieces of bone-in lamb simmered slowly to produce a deeply nourishing broth, reflecting the pastoral heritage of a people whose livelihood centered on sheep herding.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch or dinner, especially in cold weather 📜 Origins: Ancient Central Asian

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