Hamud

חָמוּד

SyriaSephardiShabbat Meat 60 min 6 servings Easy
Hamud

Hamud is the beloved sour lemon soup of the Halabi (Aleppan) Jewish community — a bright, tangy broth of chicken, lemon, herbs and sometimes small meatballs. Its name in Arabic means 'sour,' and its restorative quality made it a Friday night staple, often served before the main Shabbat meal to open the appetite.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 4 stalks celery with leaves
  • 1 onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • Salt and white pepper
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Simmer chicken pieces in stock with onion, celery, garlic, and turmeric for 35 minutes.

  2. 2

    Remove chicken and shred the meat. Discard bones.

  3. 3

    Strain the broth and return to pot.

  4. 4

    Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and shredded chicken.

  5. 5

    Simmer 5 minutes. Season with salt and white pepper.

  6. 6

    Add fresh mint just before serving.

  7. 7

    Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra mint and a drizzle of olive oil.

Kosher notes

A classic pareve-compatible soup if made with only vegetables — or meat when made with chicken. Do not mix with dairy.

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Global Jewish Kitchen — recipes are labeled meat, dairy, or pareve. We are not a kashrut agency. Customs differ. Ask your rabbi.