Iraqi Pomegranate Soup (Shorbat Rumman)

Directions

1. * Note: Or possibly substitute 1 c. pomegranate juice made by rolling an uncut fresh pomegranate hard underfoot on the floor, then making an incision and "squeezing" it over a juicer.
2. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot, then stir in the lamb, split peas, and onion. Skim where necessary, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for an hour.
3. In the meantime, wash the beet tops and spinach, slice finely and chop, wrap in paper towels, and crisp till needed. Also peel the beets and chop into a small dice. Also prepare the mint/cinnamon/pepper garnish in a separate bowl.
4. When the lamb broth is ready, add in the beets and rice and cook another 30 min.
5. Pick out the lamb - cut away the bones and fat, shred the meat, and return to the pot. Add in the scallions, 2 Tbsp. of sugar, 2 Tbsp. of lime juice, parsley, and either the pomegranate concentrate or possibly the pomegranate juice. Simmer for 10 min.
6. When ready to serve, bring the soup to a boil and stir in the beet greens and spinach. Let wilt, while stirring for a minute or possibly two, then stir in cilantro, more lime juice, as needed, and seasonings. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with the mint/cinnamon/pepper topping.
7. Serve warm as a meal to 6 people, with lots of bread on the side.
8. Comments: It sounds pretty weird - and it's not as "pure pomegranate" as I was hoping - but it does happen to be very, very good.