As autumn leaves begin their descent, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of soup, especially one that’s bursting with flavors as vibrant as a Moroccan market. This chickpea soup isn’t just a dish; it’s like a cozy tapestry of spices and textures, reminiscent of a cherished memory or a favorite sweater. Picture yourself savoring each spoonful while the world outside feels just a little bit cozier.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and carrot, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. While the onion is cooking, mince the garlic.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the vegetable stock, chickpeas, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. As it simmers, roughly chop the kale and cilantro, and slice the lemon wedges.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the chopped kale. Let the soup simmer for about 3 minutes until the kale is slightly softened.
- Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lemon wedge on the side. Optionally, top with yogurt or extra crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups chopped kale leaves or baby spinach
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
FAQ
- Can this Moroccan Chickpea Soup be made in a slow cooker?
- Yes, this soup can easily be prepared in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients, apart from the kale, to a large crock-pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the kale just before serving and let it sit for about 3 minutes.
- Is the Moroccan Chickpea Soup suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
- Absolutely, this soup is naturally vegetarian and vegan, as well as gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
- What are some serving suggestions for this soup?
- The soup is delicious when garnished with fresh cilantro and served with lemon wedges. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for added flavor.
- How long does it take to prepare this soup?
- The Moroccan Chickpea Soup takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy meal option.
- What can I do to save time while making this soup?
- To save time, chop the ingredients as the soup cooks. For example, mince the garlic while the onion is sautéing and chop the kale and cilantro while the soup is coming to a simmer.
Tips
- Prep Ingredients While Cooking: Save time by preparing ingredients as you cook. For instance, mince the garlic while the onions are sautéing, and chop the kale and cilantro while the soup is simmering.
- Add Flavor with Garnishes: Enhance the soup’s flavor by serving it with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges. For those who like a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top.
- Consider Slow Cooking: If you prefer a hands-off approach, use a slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients except the kale and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the kale before serving.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to taste. You can add a dollop of yogurt for creaminess or experiment with other toppings that suit your palate.
Equipment
- Minute Moroccan Chickpea Soup, here is a list of the main equipment that you might need to purchase, as they may not be typically found in every kitchen:
- Large Stockpot – Essential for cooking the soup.
- Slow Cooker (optional) – If you choose to make the soup using the slow cooker method.
