Chicken Quaker Soup

Quaker soup is the most popular Ramadan soup served in Saudi. You can also substitute lamb instead of the chicken in this dish. The hint of cumin leaves a distinct smoky flavor while the cardamom reminds you of its Middle Eastern roots. Mastika is widely used in Arabic cooking as a thickener such as flour in western countries.

4 chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced
2 tablespoons butter
3 mastika
1 cup quick cooking oats
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 chicken bouillon cubes
6 cups water
1/2 tablespoon cumin, ground
8 green cardamoms
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, smashed
salt and pepper to taste
parsley for garnish

1. In a 4 quart pan on medium heat add butter, garlic and onions, cook until tender. Add chicken, cumin, cardamom, mastika, salt and pepper allowing chicken to turn white on all sides. Add tomato paste, chicken bouillon and oats and water. Bring to a full boil then reduce heat to low for and allow to cook for 45 minutes covered. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top of each serving.

Yields: 12 servings