Earthy Armenian Spas with Yogurt and Barley

Name: Earthy Armenian Spas with Yogurt and Barley
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: 1 cup pearl barley; 1 cup bulgur wheat; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup water; 2 cups plain yogurt; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon dried mint; 2 tablespoons fresh dill; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon paprika

A comforting yogurt and barley soup

A traditional Armenian yogurt soup with bulgur, barley, and herbs that offers warmth and tanginess in every spoonful.

1 h 30 min
6
Easy

Ingredients

Soup Base

1 cup pearl barley

rinsed and soaked

1 cup bulgur wheat

rinsed

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup water

Yogurt Mixture

2 cups plain yogurt

full-fat for best results

1 egg

beaten

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings & Flavors

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

to taste

1 tablespoon dried mint

2 tablespoons fresh dill

chopped

Garnishing

2 tablespoons fresh parsley

chopped

1 teaspoon paprika

Preparation

Preparing the Frame

Rinse and soak barley

Rinse and soak pearl barley for at least 30 minutes.

Combine grains

Drain the barley and combine with bulgur in a large pot.

Boil soup base

Add vegetable broth and water, then bring to a boil.

Creating the Yogurt Mixture

Whisk yogurt mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, beaten egg, flour, and olive oil.

Temper the egg

On low heat, gradually add 1 cup of the broth from the barley pot into the yogurt mixture while stirring to temper the egg.

Keep stirring to prevent the yogurt from curdling. Pro Tip: Use a wire whisk for smooth integration of the yogurt mixture.

Cooking Process

Simmer the soup

Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add seasonings

Add salt, pepper, dried mint, and fresh dill to the soup and stir well.

Final simmer

Allow soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to deepen flavors.

Plating & Serving