Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Introduction:
Experience the vibrant and hearty flavors of a traditional Moroccan dish with this Moroccan Chickpea Soup. Packed with nourishing ingredients and aromatic spices, this soup promises a comforting and warming meal that is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare.
Why Make This Recipe:
Creating this Moroccan Chickpea Soup is a brilliant way to experience an exciting flavor palate from the comforts of your home, and it’s also an excellent vegetarian dish for those looking to include more plant-based meals into their diet. The recipe is likewise convenient to prepare with minimal prep work and using mostly pantry staple ingredients.
How to Make Moroccan Chickpea Soup:
Ingredients:
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft, approximately 5 minutes into the cooking.
2. Add in the garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne, stir and let these cook for about 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
3. Incorporate the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil then lower heat to let it simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add the chopped kale or spinach and cilantro to the pot and allow these to cook until the greens have softened, typically around 5 minutes.
5. Season the soup to your liking with salt and pepper.
6. Serve the soup while it’s hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon for an enhancing citrusy lift.
How to Serve Moroccan Chickpea Soup:
For best flavor, serve Moroccan Chickpea Soup hot. Pair this hearty soup with a warm crusty bread for a substantial meal, or with a refreshing side salad for light, clean eating. Either way, don’t forget to garnish it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze from a lemon wedge for that authentic Moroccan touch.
How to Store Moroccan Chickpea Soup:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The soup can be kept for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it if you want it to last longer. Be sure to thaw it well before reheating on the stove or microwave.
Tips to Make Moroccan Chickpea Soup:
To extract maximum flavor from your spices, be sure to let them cook until fragrant before adding the other ingredients. This process helps unlock their full flavor potentials. You might also want to add the leafy greens towards the end of the cook time to prevent them from becoming too mushy and overcooked.
Variation (if any):
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. You can also try adding other types of vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to add more nutrition and complexity in flavor.
FAQs:
1. Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes, fresh tomatoes can also be used instead of canned. You might need to add extra liquid though as fresh tomatoes have less juice than canned ones.
2. Q: Can I substitute the chickpeas with other types of beans?
A: Yes, you can substitute chickpeas with other types of beans, such as white beans or lentils. But be mindful that this might also slightly alter the flavor and consistency of the soup.
3. Q: Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
A: Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products. Make sure your vegetable broth is vegan-certified.