Al-Hab Soup
Al-Hab soup or oatmeal soup is one of the popular dishes in most provinces of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its final thick consistency is similar to several Saudi dishes, such as Jareesh, Harees, and broth, in terms of food types. Most regions of Saudi Arabia share a common culture in preparing Al-Hab soup, with some variations in spices, vegetables, and the types of meat used.
Al-Hab Soup in Saudi Culture
In traditional Saudi cuisine, soups are generally categorized into two main groups: clear soups, known as broths, and thick soups. Thick soups are classified according to the type of thickening agent used, with some based on starch or pureed meat and vegetables. Many popular soups include high proportions of meat and seasonal plants, such as truffles, which are locally known as desert truffles.
Al-Hab soup is seasonally associated with Ramadan, the month of fasting in Islam, as it is a main dish on the iftar table. Soup in general, and Al-Hab soup specifically, is a dish believed to help with recovery from flu symptoms in Saudi culture. Al-Hab soup can also be considered part of traditional meal accompaniments, as it is often served with other complementary food items, such as bread and meat.
How to prepare al-Hab soup
The preparation of Al-Hab soup depends on the quality of the meat used and the length of time required to cook it. The process takes about one and a half hours, including preparing the meat and cooking it with oat grains. The soup is served mixed with the meat and stored in containers to prevent heat loss. Traditionally, Al-Hab soup is also served in deep clay pots or Meifah pots, as is common in Najran and Jazan provinces.
The preparation of Al-Hab soup occurs in two stages. The first stage involves cutting the meat into portions suitable for cooking in the soup, which are then added in batches to a spice base. This base, used in most fatty dishes, is referred to as Al-Khishnah or Al-Hamsa and includes cubes of chicken broth or spices, peeled tomatoes, and water. A mixture of pre-prepared spice blends containing cardamom, black pepper, and other popular spices is then added, and the soup is left to simmer for several hours, with constant stirring. After cooking, it is transferred to another container to preserve it.
Al-Hab soup at Saudi Events and Occasions
A popular dish like al-Hab soup can generally be found at festivals, especially those celebrating heritage, as well as at local festivals organized by productive families during annual Saudi events such as Eid Al-Adha, Eid Al-Fitr, and Ramadan. During Ramadan, al-Hab soup occupies a central place on the communal Iftar tables every year.