სოკოს სუპი — Georgian Mushroom Soup

Georgian mushroom soup stands apart from its Russian cousin with a bold hit of adjika spice paste,
fresh herbs piled in recklessly, and a squeeze of tart tkemali or lemon at the end. This is not a
quiet, subtle soup. It is a mushroom soup that demands your attention.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast With Oil (for strict oil-free days, simmer the vegetables in broth without the initial saute)

SERVINGS: 4
TIME: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
- 500 g mixed mushrooms (cremini, oyster, shiitake), sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 3 tablespoons sunflower or walnut oil
- 1 tablespoon adjika paste (Georgian chili paste) or 1 teaspoon harissa
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon dried blue fenugreek (utskho suneli)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 litres water or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tkemali (sour plum sauce) or 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Large bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Large bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 can (400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

METHOD:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add mushrooms and cook without stirring for 4 minutes, then stir and cook 4 minutes more until deeply browned.
2. Add onion, reduce heat to medium, and cook 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add adjika paste, coriander, and fenugreek. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add potatoes and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add chickpeas and garlic. Simmer 10 more minutes until potatoes are tender.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in tkemali or lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve in deep bowls, burying each serving under a mountain of fresh cilantro, dill, and basil.

NOTES:
- Adjika is the soul of this soup. If you cannot find Georgian adjika, harissa with extra garlic is the closest substitute.
- The herbs are not a garnish — they are a core ingredient. Use the full bunches.
- Tkemali (sour plum sauce) adds a uniquely Georgian tartness. Lemon juice is a fine substitute.
- Chickpeas add protein and body. This is a complete meal with bread.

NUTRITION (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 14 g | Carbohydrates: 34 g | Fat: 12 g | Fibre: 8 g