Lemony Turmeric Potato Soup

Published April 22, 2025

Lemony Turmeric Potato Soup
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich.
Total Time
55 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Rating
5(89)
Comments
Read comments

This humble, bright yellow soup hails from Stone Town, Zanzibar, and is a popular street food known as Zanzibari Mix or Urojo. It’s affordable, filling, and reflective of the island's cross-cultural history. Traditionally served with various accompaniments like lentil fritters, cassava chips, chutneys, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs for protein, this dish has become synonymous with the island. This version features a classic interpretation of the simple soup base but relies on ultra-crispy, spicy jalapeno-flavored kettle-cooked potato chips for the crunch and heat usually provided by the toppings. Don’t be fooled by the modest ingredient list; this soup packs a punch.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings 
  • 4large russet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes 
  • 1teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½teaspoon crushed red pepper 
  • 1tablespoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal), plus more to taste
  • ¼cup all-purpose flour
  • 2tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
  • Jalapeño-flavored kettle-cooked potato chips, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

156 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 46 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 5 grams protein; 556 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large pot, combine the potatoes, turmeric, crushed red pepper, salt and 8 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, whisk together the flour and ½ cup water in a liquid measuring cup to combine.

  3. Step 3

    When the potatoes are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl, keeping the broth in the pot over high heat. Slowly dribble the flour mixture into the broth, whisking constantly to ensure the flour is evenly mixed in. Continue whisking while the broth returns to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking occasionally, until the broth is bright yellow and thickened, 15 to 20 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Return the potatoes to the soup. Add the lemon juice, stir, and taste for salt and lemon, adding more to your preference. Ladle into bowls and serve with a mound of crushed jalapeño chips on top.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
89 user ratings
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Comments

The chili and turmeric have a warming, comforting effect - ladled the soup into mugs for cozy sipping. Saving this recipe for future cravings for something light yet satisfying, quick and simple!

Does anyone have a recipe for lentil fritters?

@Sarah T found this on https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/lentil-fritters. Looks good and easy-peesy

This was a hit with my whole family tonight, including picky vegetarian daughter. I added a drained can of white beans at step 4 to give a little protein and fiber and topped with crumbed bacon and toasted garbanzos in addition to the chips. This one is definitely going in my family’s rotation. A perfect easy, healthy, but filling weeknight meal.

An excellent pantry meal that was flavorful with 0 modifications.

Added more salt, lemon, and chips as I was not completely satisfied with the end result. Found this to be a maybe touch bland for my taste but did find it to be an interesting and unique recipe to try. Would try again with some modifications, like adding a protein or some additional topping and seasonings. Glad I tried this!

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