Moroccan Vegetable Soup (Chorba)

6 servings, about 2 cups each

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 pound beef stew meat, (such as chuck) trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 6 cups reduced-sodium beef broth, or water
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 2 small turnips, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, leaves included, thinly sliced
• Pinch of saffron threads
• 12 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, plus more leaves for garnish
• 8 sprigs fresh cilantro, plus more leaves for garnish
• 1 large zucchini, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 2 ounces angel hair pasta broken into small pieces (about 1/2 cup)
• 1-2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Add onion and turmeric; stir to coat. Add meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Add broth (or water), tomatoes and their juice, turnips, carrots, celery and saffron.

4. Tie parsley and cilantro sprigs together with kitchen string and add to the pot.

5. Bring the soup to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer.

6. Cook until the meat is tender, 45 to 50 minutes.

7. Stir in zucchini and cook, covered, until soft, 8 to 10 minutes.

8. Add pasta and cook until soft, 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta.

9. Discard the parsley and cilantro sprigs. Season with salt (start with 1 teaspoon if you’re using beef broth; add more if you’re using water) and pepper.

10. Serve sprinkled with parsley and/or cilantro leaves, if desired.

Nutritional value: 260 calories; 10 g fat (2 g sat, 6 g mono); 32 mg cholesterol; 19 g carbohydrates; 23 g protein; 4 g fiber; 615 mg sodium; 697 mg potassium.

This recipe can also be prepared without meat, as a vegetarian alternative.