Village Soup

Steps

1. 1

   Finely chop the onion. Add the olive oil to a medium-sized pot and heat it over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for approximately 4-5 minutes, until the onion softens and begins to lightly brown.

   Start 4-minute timer
3. 3

   Add the tomato paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the raw smell disappears and the oil takes on a slight color.

   Start 1-minute timer
4. 4

   Add the flour and sauté, stirring constantly for 1 minute to prevent lumps from forming.

   Start 1-minute timer
5. 5

   Gradually add the chicken stock and water while continuously whisking. This will prevent the flour from forming lumps.

6. 6

   Cook the soup over medium-high heat, stirring, until it comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cook for approximately 15 minutes, until the soup thickens slightly.

   Start 15-minute timer
7. 7

   Add the salt and black pepper. Since the chicken stock may already be salty, taste the soup after adding the seasonings.

8. 8

   Serve the soup hot. If desired, you can garnish it with dried mint, red pepper flakes, or a few drops of lemon juice; these garnishes are not mentioned in the source.