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Trahanas Soup

The Quirky Foodster Team

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4
Servings

Ingredients

  • 200 g (7 oz) Dried trahanas (sour type)
  • 1.2 l (5 cups) Water or chicken stock
  • 50 g (1.75 oz) Halloumi, grated (optional topping)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

Method

  1. Bring water or stock to a boil in a saucepan.
  2. Whisk in the dried trahanas gradually to avoid lumps.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened to a porridge-like consistency.
  4. Season with salt to taste.
  5. Ladle into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and top with grated halloumi if using.

Introduction: Trahanas is a dried fermented mixture of cracked wheat and soured milk or yogurt, prepared in batches
each summer and stored for use through the year.

Cultural Background: Trahanas is a dried fermented mixture of cracked wheat and soured milk or yogurt, prepared in batches
each summer and stored for use through the year. Cooked into a simple soup, it is one of the oldest
preserved foods on the island, historically vital during winter months when fresh dairy was scarce.

Variations: Vegetarian. Not authentic vegan, as trahanas itself is fermented with milk or yogurt.

Storage: Refrigerate cooked soup up to 3 days; dried trahanas itself keeps for up to a year in an airtight jar.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water as it thickens further on standing.

Nutrition: Per serving: ~180 kcal, 7g protein, 5g fat, 27g carbohydrate.

FAQs

Q: Where can I buy trahanas?
A: Greek and Cypriot specialty grocers stock dried trahanas; it is not commonly found in general supermarkets.

Q: Is this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, when made with water rather than chicken stock.