Spas (spahs) is Armenian famous soup served warm in the winter and chilled during summer months. Sometimes called “tahnabour or madzoon abour”, this is a classic soup of Armenian cuisine. It’s made with typical Armenian yogurt like cream called “matsun” and wheat grain seasoned with mint or cilantro. There are several recipe variations. Some use parsley, others use cilantro or incorporate mint. Egg or wheat is necessary if the soup is hot; it keeps “matsun” (yogurt) from curdling.
Ingredients
2/3 cup hulled wheat
3 cups yogurt (Typical Armenian “matsun’’ called yogurt like cream)
3 cups water or chicken broth
1 egg
2T flour
½ tsp salt
4T butter
1 T mint (chopped)
1/3 T parsley or cilantro (chopped)
Cooking instructions
Cook wheat in 4 cups of water or broth until tender.
Blend “matsun’’ (yogurt), water, egg and flour with a beater.
Cook until it boils and stir constantly with a wooden spoon.
Add salt, cooked wheat and remove from heat.
Add butter, mint and parsley and simmer five minutes.
Especially in this cold days serve the dish with warmth, love and smile.
