Yemenite Chicken Soup — Learn to Cook with the Israeli Embassy

April 12, 2022 – Asia Society Korea continues its mission to educate new audiences and introduce sustainable meals from around the globe in its ongoing #EatTasteLearn series. In this installment, Dr. Naomi Tor, wife of the Israeli Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, introduces her favorite recipe, Yemenite Chicken Soup. Dr. Tor's family has enjoyed the soup for generations and she graciously shares the recipe from the Israeli Embassy in Seoul. She prepares the dish with chicken, fresh vegetables, and the soup’s most important ingredient – a special spice mixture called hawaij. The delectable soup marks the beginning of the Tor family's Shabbat, a weekly Jewish observance to rest and enjoy time with loved ones, but the simple meal and the warmth it brings to gatherings can be enjoyed any day of the week.

The video is a continuation of Asia Society Korea's #EatTasteLearn series, which promotes a sustainable and diverse food culture.

Yemenite Chicken Soup
Dr. Naomi Tor applies Zhug, an optional paste that adds spice to Yemenite Chicken Soup.

Israeli Yemenite Chicken Soup (Recipe from Dr. Naomi Tor, the wife of the Israeli ambassador)

MAIN INGREDIENTS (Makes 6-8 servings)

  • 1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces (optional 4 whole chicken legs)
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 medium potatoes cut in half
  • 2 whole zucchini
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 1 bunch of cilantro (coriander)
  • 1 level tablespoon of salt
  • 3 level tablespoons of hawaij (mixes spices)*
  • 2.5 liters of water

*It's best to acquire hawaij from a skilled spice shop. The mixture contains cumin, clove, cardamom, turmeric, ginger, and coriander.