North Africa · Soup
Hsou (Semolina, Mint, and Vinegar Broth with Meatballs)
A tangy, comforting semolina-thickened broth scented with caraway and dried mint, filled with spiced bite-sized meatballs.
The story
Hsou is a deeply rooted domestic soup prepared across northern and coastal Tunisia, traditionally served during harsh winter spells and prepared for women during their postpartum convalescence to restore vitality. While early versions originated as simple peasant broths thickened with coarse flour or semolina, urban households elevated the recipe with tender miniature beef meatballs known as kwaïret. A pivotal technical hallmark of authentic hsou is the deliberate emulsification of fine semolina directly into seasoned broth before finishing with crushed spearmint and raw vinegar, creating a sharp, warming digestive balance.
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