Shurbah is the Arabic word for soup. In Yemen, shurbah is a popular staple in the month of Ramadan. Soup is often on the sufrah during Iftar! In the Yemeni cuisine you will find various different kinds of soups. You will find some made with a savory broth. Others are made with a cream based soup, like this Yemeni Bulgur Shurbah with Milk.

This Yemeni Bulgur Shurbah with Milk is a cherished comfort food. It combines milk with hearty bulgur wheat. It is infused with warm spices like cardamom, and cloves. Finished with a drizzle of samn (ghee), which then results in a delicious, rich soup. It is perfect for warming up on chilly days. It is also great when you’re feeling under the weather.

What is Yemeni Bulgur Shurbah with Milk?

The Arabic term for this soup is “Shorbat al-burghul bil haleeb” which translates to Bulgur Soup with Milk. It is also referred to as “Shurbah Baydha” which translates to White Soup. It is a milk-based soup with bulgur wheat. The soup is made with cardamom, and cloves. It’s lightly sweetened, and is completed with a light drizzle of samn. This soup embodies the warmth and hospitality of the Yemeni cuisine.

This Shubah Recipe Requires a Handful of Ingredients!

• Bulgur Wheat: Adds a nice texture, and a nutty flavor. Bulgur wheat comes in different sizes, and each size has its use in different recipes. For this soup, you will want to go for a coarser bulgur wheat. It is often labeled as coarse #3 or #4. Either one will do for this recipe!
• Milk: It is the perfect creamy base to this soup.
• Cardamom and Cloves: Warm, aromatic notes.
• Samn/ghee: Adds a rich, buttery finish.
• Corn Starch: Helps to thicken the soup!
• Sugar: Sweetens the soup!

How to Make This Soup

1. Cook the Bulgur
   • In a pot, bring water to a roiling boil. Add the bulgur and a pinch of salt. Cook on medium-low heat until the water evaporates and the bulgur is fully cooked and soft.
2. Add Milk and Spices
   • Once the water has evaporated, pour in the milk, add the sugar, cardamom pods, and cloves. Continue cooking on medium-low heat until the milk comes to a simmer or a low boil. Stirring occasionally.
3. Thicken the Mixture
   • In a small bowl, combine 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon water to create a slurry. Whisk this slurry into the milk mixture.
   • Cook on medium-low heat until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. If the mixture becomes to thick, you can thin it out with more milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
4. Finish and Serve
   • Once the desired consistency is reached, serve the Bulgur Shurbah hot. Drizzle melted samn/ghee on top for extra richness and flavor!

Quick Tips

• Consistency: Adjust the cornstach amount to get your preferred thickness. Remember to add more milk if the mixtures becomes too thick!
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cardamom and cloves based on your preference. You can even omit it if you prefer.
• Sweetness: Modify the sugar amount to suit your taste or substitute with a drizzle of honey!

Why You’ll Love this Yemeni Bulgur Soup!

• Easy to make: It requires a handful of ingredients and can be made quick!
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, and even add different spices to your soup like cinnamon!
• Toppings: Samn/ghee is a traditional finish to this soup. But you can top it with whatever your heart desires. Options include honey, or nuts like sliced almonds or walnuts.

This shurbah recipe may vary in different parts of Yemen, and from family to family this recipe can have its variations! This milk based shurbah can be turned into a savory soup as well. You can also make it sweet, like the one in this post! This is just how my family and I like to make it at home!

This shurbah is more than just a meal; it is a bowl of comfort and warmth. The creamy milk, nutty bulgar, and warm spices come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug. The ghee drizzle is the perfect finish to this soup! Enjoy this during your iftar (meal to break fast). It is also a great choice on a rainy day. This soup is a comforting choice!

Tried Making Yemeni Bulgur Shurbah? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your comments or tag us in your shurbah creations on my Instagram!