Turkish Barley And Buttermilk Or Yogurt Soup Recipes

YOGURT OR BUTTERMILK SOUP WITH TOASTED BARLEY

Steps:

• Heat a heavy, medium-size saucepan over medium-high heat, and add the barley. Stir or shake in the pan until it begins to smell toasty, about five minutes. Add the water and salt (to taste, about 1/2 teaspoon), and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and simmer until tender, about 45 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain and set aside.
• While the barley is cooking, place the cucumber in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss and place in a strainer set over the bowl. Allow to drain for 30 minutes. Rinse well and drain on paper towels.
• Combine all the ingredients except the mint. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill for one hour or longer. Serve, garnishing each bowl with the mint.

HOT YOGURT SOUP WITH BARLEY AND CILANTRO

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy soup pot over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is tender and beginning to color, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and the barley and stir together until the garlic smells fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. Add the stock and salt to taste (depending on the saltiness of the stock), and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer 40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
• In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water and stir until the cornstarch is dissolved. Whisk into the yogurt. Off the heat, whisk this mixture into the soup. Return to low heat and bring to a bare simmer, stirring. Do not boil. Add salt to taste and a generous amount of pepper. Stir in the cilantro, and season with fresh lemon juice if desired (or squeeze a few drops over each bowl). Serve hot or warm, garnished with thin rounds of lemon.