Shorba bi Djaj

Description
Iraqi creamy chicken soup with rice
 * Serves 8

Ingredients:

 * ½ cup long-grain rice
 * 2 tbsp vegetable oil
 * 1 onion, finely chopped
 * 1½ pounds chicken wings
 * ½ tsp turmeric
 * ½ tsp ground cardamom
 * 1½ tsp salt, or to taste
 * freshly ground pepper to taste
 * 10 cups water
 * ½ cup red lentils, well washed

Method:

 * 1) Wash the rice well. Place it in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 2 hours, then drain and set aside. In a soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent. Add the chicken, turmeric, cardamom, salt, pepper and water. Cover and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and add the rice and lentils. Gently simmer until the rice has softened and the soup has become thick and creamy, about 2 hours (skim off any foam that may rise to the surface, and stir occasionally to make sure that the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot). When the soup is creamy, remove the chicken wings from the pot. Discard the skin and bones, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Taste and adjust for seasonings. Serve hot.