The Hearthkeeper’s Guide to Piti Soup
Gathering Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
- Lamb (or Mutton): 500 grams, cut into chunks
- Dried Chickpeas: 1 cup (soaked overnight, then drained)
- Large Onion: 1, coarsely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2 medium, cut into thick rounds
- Tomato: 1 large, roughly chopped
- Dried Lemon (Preserved Lemon): 1, broken into pieces
- Saffron: A pinch, steeped in 2 tablespoons warm water
- Water: Approximately 6 cups (or enough to cover all ingredients)
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Turmeric: ½ teaspoon
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Coriander): A handful, roughly chopped for garnish
- Optional: Dried lavash or traditional bread, for serving
Method:
- The Simmering:
In a clay pot or heavy-bottomed vessel, add the lamb pieces, soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, carrots, tomato, and dried lemon. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. As the pot begins to sing with the promise of nourishment, skim off any foam that rises—for a clearer broth.
- Slow Cooking:
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing the lamb to become tender and the chickpeas to soften into a creamy texture. This slow cooking is like a meditative chant, melding flavours and memories into one.
- The Blessing of Saffron:
Once the meat and chickpeas are tender, stir in the saffron water. Let the broth absorb its golden hue.
- The Final Gathering:
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the Piti into rustic bowls. Traditionally, the dish is served with pieces of dried lavash or hearty bread (during our travels we found tandir bread served in most places), which can be dipped into the broth. One of the heartiest soups we have had in Azerbaijan.
- The Ritual of Serving:
Garnish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs. As you serve, imagine the echoes of old feasts and the warm laughter of families gathered around a crackling fire.
May this story of Farid and his Piti Soup remind us of the power of simple ingenuity and the strength that comes from community and perseverance.
