Vanetzi Ashkile (Spinach Soup)

5 years ago

Christine Datian shares another special recipe, Vanetzi Ashkile (Spinach Soup), from the Holy Trinity Armenian Church Guild Cookbook, ‘The Armenian and Selected Favorite Recipes Cookbook’, just in time for the cooler season ahead.

It’s hearty, healthy and delicious!

How to order a copy of ‘The Armenian and Selected Favorite Recipes Cookbook’:

The cost to purchase a copy of the cookbook is $20.00 plus $5.00
for shipping.

To place an order, please call or contact:
Ms. Nazik Arisian
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church
2226 Ventura St.
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 486-1141 (office)

Email: nazik@holytrinityfresno.org

Make check payable to: Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.

Vanetzi Ashkile – Spinach Soup

A hearty, healthy, delicious soup perfect for cooler weather.

Course Soup

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1 45

Total Time 2 15

Servings

Ingredients

2 lbs. stewing beef or lamb boneless
2 large cloves garlic chopped
1 large onion thinly sliced
1 8-oz, can tomato sauce
3-4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or water
½ cup wheat berries, shelled wheat or whole wheat kernels also known as 'dzedzadz'. Shelled wheat is sold in Middle Eastern stores.
2 large carrots diced
1 medium bunch green onions chopped
1 medium bunch parsley chopped
1 small bunch cilantro, chopped optional
Salt, pepper to taste
2 medium bunches fresh spinach washed, chopped
1 large lemon Juiced – or – 1/2 lb. rhubarb, finelychopped
4 medium eggs optional
4 Tbsp. butter -or – 1/4 cup olive oil to taste

Instructions

Brown stew meat in a large pot in butter or olive oil,tossing, until meat is brown on all sides. Add the onions and garlic,and sauté until onions are translucent.
Add just enough of the broth or water to coverthe meat; bring to a gentle boil. Cover pot, and braise for aboutone hour, stirring occasionally.
Add the tomato sauce, the rest of the broth orwater, dzedzadz, carrots, green onions, parsley, cilantro – if using, and seasonings, and bring to a full boil. Stir, reduce heat, and simmer for25-35 minutes until the meat and dzedzadz are tender.
Add the spinach and lemon juice (or rhubarb). Add morebroth or water, as needed, to make a stew-like consistency. Simmer for10 minutes or until spinach (and rhubarb, if using) is/are cooked.
Optional: crack the eggs, one at a time, into a separatebowl. Gently add each egg to the pot and steam for a few minutes until eggwhites are set.