Name: Atlas Mountain Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: ¾ cup apricots; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp paprika; 1 lb ground lamb; 4 stalks celery; 1 large green bell pepper; 1 lb tomatoes; 1 lemon; 1¼ cups water; 1 tbsp white sugar; salt and black pepper

This Atlas Mountain Soup recipe will transport you straight to Morocco. It's a hearty, flavorful dish, with a beautiful combination of sweet and savory, brought by the apricots and lamb. The spices used, such as cumin and paprika, are commonly found in North African cuisine and will give you an authentic taste of the region.

Photos of Atlas Mountain Soup Recipe

The key ingredient that may not be common in many kitchens is the ground lamb. It's a staple in Moroccan cuisine and adds a rich flavor to the soup. While in the supermarket, look for fresh, quality ground lamb. Also, apricots may not be a common ingredient for a soup, but they add a unique sweet twist that works perfectly with the savory elements of this dish.

Ingredients for Atlas Mountain Soup

Apricots: Dried apricots are used in this recipe to give a sweet touch, they also add a nice textural element.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the meat and spices, it adds a depth of flavor.

Garlic: Adds an aromatic flavor that complements the spices.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet and warm flavor to the soup.

Ground cumin: Gives an earthy flavor that is a staple in Moroccan cuisine.

Paprika: Adds a sweet, smoky flavor and a vibrant red color.

Ground lamb: Brings a rich, hearty flavor and makes the soup more filling.

Celery: Adds a slight crunch and refreshing flavor.

Green bell pepper: Adds a slight sweetness and crisp texture.

Tomatoes: Adds acidity and freshness, balancing out the rich flavors.

Lemon: The zest and juice add a bright, tangy flavor.

Water: The base for the soup.

White sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and lemon.

Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to bring out all the flavors.

One reader, Karil Israel says:

This Atlas Mountain soup recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices and the sweetness of apricots create a rich and flavorful broth. The tender lamb and fresh vegetables make it a hearty and satisfying meal. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience the delicious flavors of North African cuisine.

Karil Israel

Key Techniques for Crafting Atlas Mountain Soup

How to soak apricots: Place the apricots in a bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak for at least 2 hours or until they become soft. Drain the water before using the apricots in the recipe.

How to brown ground lamb: In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground lamb to the pan and cook, stirring and breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned. This should take a few minutes.

How to season to taste: After simmering the soup, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Gradually add small amounts of salt and pepper, tasting after each addition, until the flavors are balanced to your liking.

How To Make Atlas Mountain Soup

The atlas mountain soup is a hearty dish consisting of ground lamb, apricots, and varying spices. Pair it with some bread for a satisfying, full meal.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 45 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

¾cupchopped dried apricots
2tbspolive oil
2garli cloves,minced
2tspground cinnamon
2tspground cumin
2tsppaprika
1lbground lamb
4½celery stalks,cut into ½-inch pieces
1large green bell pepper,sliced
1lbtomatoes,coarsely chopped
1lemon
1 ¼cupswater
1tbspwhite sugar
Salt and black pepper,to taste

Instructions

Soak the apricots in water for 2 hours or more until soft; drain.
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and paprika; cook and stir for 1 minute.
Raise the heat to medium-high, crumble in the ground lamb, stirring and breaking it up with a wooden spoon for a few minutes until browned. Stir in the drained apricots, celery, green pepper, and tomato.
Using a vegetable peeler, shave 5 to 6 strips of rind off the lemon and add to the soup with the juice of the lemon. Stir in the water and sugar.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer gently for half an hour. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 505.44kcal
Fat: 34.30g
Saturated Fat: 12.64g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 16.07g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.14g
Carbohydrates: 30.73g
Fiber: 6.65g
Sugar: 21.26g
Protein: 22.02g
Cholesterol: 82.78mg
Sodium: 1404.42mg
Calcium: 110.67mg
Potassium: 1088.26mg
Iron: 4.31mg
Vitamin A: 138.61µg
Vitamin C: 57.96mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Atlas Mountain Soup

When browning the ground lamb, make sure to break it up into small pieces. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and paprika more effectively. Additionally, when adding the lemon rind and juice, be sure to stir well to distribute the citrus flavor throughout the soup. This will give your Atlas Mountain Soup a refreshing tang that balances the rich flavors of the lamb and spices.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Atlas Mountain Soup Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.

Efficient organization: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to easily locate ingredients and utensils.

Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation.

Quick swaps: Substitute ingredients with similar alternatives to save time on grocery runs.

Substitute Ingredients For Atlas Mountain Soup Recipe

apricots - Substitute with dried figs: Dried figs have a similar sweet and slightly earthy flavor to apricots, and they will add a pleasant chewy texture to the soup.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor similar to garlic and will complement the other ingredients in the soup.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground allspice: Allspice has a warm, aromatic flavor with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, which can provide a similar depth of flavor to the soup.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor that can replace the earthy warmth of cumin in the soup.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika will add a rich, smoky flavor to the soup, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
ground lamb - Substitute with ground beef: Ground beef can be used as a substitute for lamb, providing a similar hearty and savory element to the soup.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a slightly sweet, aromatic flavor and a crunchy texture, which can replace the celery in the soup while adding a unique twist.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell pepper can be used as a substitute for green bell pepper, offering a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the soup.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing a consistent flavor and texture to the soup.
lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can add a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used to replace water, adding depth and richness to the soup's base.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a natural sweetness to the soup while adding a subtle floral note to the flavor profile.

Presenting Atlas Mountain Soup for Maximum Appeal

Elevate the dish with a stunning garnish: Enhance the visual appeal of the soup by adding a delicate sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a touch of elegance.
Opt for a sophisticated serving vessel: Choose a beautiful, handcrafted ceramic bowl or a sleek, modern dish to showcase the vibrant colors and rich textures of the Atlas Mountain soup.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Create an eye-catching pattern on the surface of the soup by skillfully drizzling a swirl of yogurt or a swirl of reduced balsamic vinegar for a touch of finesse.
Add a touch of edible flowers: Introduce a pop of color and a hint of floral fragrance to the dish by delicately placing a few edible flowers, such as nasturtium or pansies, on top of the soup.
Present with artisanal bread: Accompany the soup with a side of freshly baked artisanal bread, beautifully sliced and arranged on a wooden board, adding a rustic and inviting element to the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Moroccan Soup

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making sauces, dips, and grinding meat.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, marinating, and mixing batters. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.

Storing and Freezing Atlas Mountain Soup for Later

Allow the Atlas mountain soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
Transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
If using a container, seal it tightly with a lid. If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the container or bag with the name of the soup and the date it was made.
Place the container or bag in the refrigerator if consuming within 3-4 days.
For longer storage, place the container or bag in the freezer. The Atlas mountain soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to consume, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
If the soup appears too thick after thawing and reheating, add a little water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Enjoy your reheated Atlas mountain soup, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt if desired.

How To Reheat Leftover Atlas Mountain Soup

Reheat the leftover atlas mountain soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures that the lamb, vegetables, and apricots are evenly heated without overcooking or losing their texture.
If the soup has thickened in the refrigerator, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out while reheating. This will help maintain the soup's original consistency and prevent it from becoming too thick or dry.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer individual portions of the leftover soup into microwave-safe bowls. Cover the bowls with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters and help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is heated through.
If you have a large quantity of leftover soup, consider reheating it in batches to ensure even heating throughout. This will also help prevent overcooking or scorching the soup at the bottom of the pot.
To add a fresh twist to your leftover atlas mountain soup, garnish it with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or mint, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. These bright, fresh flavors will complement the rich, spiced soup and give it a new lease on life.

Surprising Fact About Atlas Mountain Soup Recipe

The Atlas Mountain Soup is a traditional Moroccan dish that combines the rich flavors of lamb, apricots, and a blend of aromatic spices. This hearty soup is a staple in the Atlas Mountain region of Morocco, where the use of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods has been passed down through generations. The combination of sweet apricots, savory lamb, and fragrant spices creates a unique and flavorful dish that is both comforting and satisfying. This soup is a perfect representation of the diverse and vibrant culinary traditions found in Moroccan cuisine.

Is Making Atlas Mountain Soup Cost-Effective at Home?

This Atlas Mountain Soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients such as ground lamb, celery, and tomatoes makes it budget-friendly. The addition of apricots adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $20-$25, making it a reasonable option for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is Atlas Mountain Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Atlas Mountain Soup recipe contains a mix of healthy and less healthy ingredients. On the positive side, it includes:

Apricots, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
Olive oil, a healthy source of monounsaturated fats
Garlic, known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
Spices like cinnamon, cumin, and paprika, which offer various health benefits
Celery, bell pepper, and tomatoes, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber

However, the recipe also includes some less healthy components:

Ground lamb, which is high in saturated fat
Added sugar, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and health issues if consumed in large amounts

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for lean ground lamb or replace it with a leaner protein source like ground turkey or chicken
Reduce the amount of added sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or dates
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the soup to boost its nutrient content
Use low-sodium broth instead of water to enhance flavor without relying on added salt
Serve the soup with a side of whole-grain bread or a salad to make it a more balanced meal

By making these adjustments, you can transform the Atlas Mountain Soup into a more nutritious and well-rounded dish that still retains its unique flavor profile. The combination of aromatic spices, tender meat, and wholesome vegetables creates a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Editor's Take on the Flavors of Atlas Mountain Soup

This Atlas Mountain soup recipe is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors. The combination of ground lamb, aromatic spices, and tender apricots creates a rich and hearty soup that is sure to warm the soul. The addition of lemon adds a refreshing citrusy note, balancing the richness of the dish. The recipe's use of traditional North African ingredients and spices pays homage to the region's culinary heritage. Overall, this soup is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the diverse and vibrant flavors of the Atlas Mountains.

Enhance Your Atlas Mountain Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Root Vegetables: Try serving the Atlas Mountain Soup with a side of roasted root vegetables for a hearty and comforting meal.

Minty Couscous: A refreshing and light side dish like minty couscous would complement the rich flavors of the Atlas Mountain Soup perfectly.

Grilled Lamb Skewers: For a complete Moroccan-inspired meal, pair the Atlas Mountain Soup with some succulent grilled lamb skewers seasoned with traditional spices.

Similar Moroccan Soup Recipes to Try

Moroccan Lamb Tagine: This savory and aromatic dish is perfect for a cozy night in. The tender lamb and flavorful spices will have your taste buds dancing.

Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: These colorful and nutritious peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of rice, ground beef, and Mediterranean spices. A perfect dish for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Turkish Baklava: Indulge in the sweet and flaky layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey syrup. This classic dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Atlas Mountain Soup

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. The combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and flavorful herbs will leave everyone wanting more.

Bruschetta: Start your meal off right with a classic bruschetta. The crisp bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil is a refreshing and satisfying appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth after a savory meal.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a vibrant strawberry topping. A classic dessert that never fails to impress.

Why trust this Atlas Mountain Soup Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring the richness of ground lamb complemented by the sweetness of apricots and the warmth of cinnamon and cumin. The addition of lemon juice provides a refreshing citrusy note, while the use of olive oil infuses a subtle depth. With careful attention to detail and a harmonious combination of ingredients, this soup promises to deliver a satisfying and authentic taste of the Atlas Mountains.

Share your thoughts on the Atlas Mountain Soup Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance this delightful dish.

FAQ:

What is the origin of this Atlas Mountain Soup recipe?

The Atlas Mountain Soup recipe is inspired by the flavors and ingredients commonly found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It incorporates a blend of aromatic spices and hearty ingredients that are characteristic of the region's cuisine.

Can I substitute the ground lamb with another type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the ground lamb with ground beef, ground turkey, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version of the soup. Each option will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

How can I adjust the spice level of the soup to my preference?

You can adjust the spice level of the soup by increasing or decreasing the amount of ground cinnamon, cumin, and paprika according to your taste. Additionally, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.

What can I serve as a side dish with Atlas Mountain Soup?

This soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as couscous, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. The combination of the soup's rich flavors with a light and fresh side dish creates a satisfying meal.

Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the Atlas Mountain Soup in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. In fact, the flavors tend to develop even further when the soup is allowed to sit for a while, making it a great make-ahead dish for gatherings.