Spas is an Armenian yogurt sour soup. Besides yogurt, the basic ingredients are chicken broth (or water) and peeled wheat grains. However, the soup can also be prepared with rice. The key to achieving a smooth and creamy consistency of this soup is constant stirring. This ensures that the yogurt doesn’t curdle, and the soup remains velvety. The soup is usually garnished with fresh herbs like coriander or mint. In some areas, dried mint is preferred. Spas is best enjoyed with Armenian leavened bread matnakash.
Spas is a versatile soup; it can be served cold during the hot summer months and hot in winter. In Armenia, it is often served as a remedy to alleviate symptoms of colds and flu.
Like many other traditional recipes, spas also has its local variations. Some add spinach to the soup, while others might add an egg or yolk during cooking to prevent the yogurt from curdling. The choice of grains can also vary; some choose bulgur or barley instead of wheat or rice. These variations often reflect regional preferences and family traditions.
I tasted the spas soup in many places in Armenia. In the Yerevan restaurant Artashi Mot, they serve a huge portion of this soup for 600 AMD, which is approximately 1.40 EUR.
Bon appétit!
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