Hey Lykkers! Are you ready to spice up your kitchen with a comforting, flavorful dish? Let’s take a trip to Morocco through your taste buds with Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup!
This hearty, aromatic soup is packed with bold spices, nutritious ingredients, and will transport you straight to the bustling souks of Marrakech.
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
Moroccan lentil and chickpea soup, often called Harira, is the perfect blend of warm spices and wholesome ingredients.
Not only is it healthy and filling, but it’s also vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for almost any dietary need. Lentils and chickpeas give it a boost of protein, while tomatoes, onions, and spices like cumin and cinnamon bring rich flavors that’ll leave you craving more.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal during cooler months or a satisfying dish to break up your weeknight routine, this soup has it all. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
To make this Moroccan delight, you’ll need:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste (56 gr)
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils (210 gr)
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (425 gr)
• 6 cups vegetable broth (1422 gr)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (8 gr)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, releasing that amazing aroma.
2. Add the Spices
Now for the real magic! Add cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir for about 1 minute to toast the spices, which will intensify their flavors.
3. Simmer Away
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, lentils, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Season and Serve
Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the fresh cilantro and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your soup should be thick, flavorful, and beautifully fragrant!
5. Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping, or even some traditional Moroccan flatbread if you’re feeling fancy. Garnish with a little extra cilantro and a lemon wedge on the side for that final zing!
Why This Soup Is So Special
This Moroccan lentil and chickpea soup is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here are some reasons why it stands out:
• Spices Galore: The unique mix of warming spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin makes this soup deeply aromatic and packed with flavor.
• Healthy and Hearty: Lentils and chickpeas are loaded with protein and fiber, making this soup a nutritious powerhouse that will keep you full and satisfied.
• Easy to Make: Despite its complex flavor, this soup is super easy to whip up, and most ingredients are pantry staples.
Fun Facts:
• Lentils have been a part of Moroccan cuisine for centuries and are a key source of protein for many people in the region.
• This soup gets better the longer it sits, so it’s great for meal prepping and tastes even more amazing the next day!
So next time you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, packed with nutrition, and simple to make, give this Moroccan lentil and chickpea soup a try. It’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger!
