Moroccan Chickpea Soup
Summary
Moroccan Chickpea Soup, often called Harira in its homeland, is a symphony of flavors and nutrition. This soup is not just about satisfying your hunger but also about traveling through the taste-buds, directly to the bustling streets of Marrakech. Let’s dive into this ancient culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas (soaked overnight) – 1 cup (240g)
- Fresh tomatoes, diced – 2 large
- Onion, finely chopped – 1 large
- Garlic cloves, minced – 2
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Ground turmeric – 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Vegetable stock – 4 cups (960ml)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped – a handful
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serves 4
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 6g
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Let’s Get Cooking:
- Initiate by heating olive oil in a large pot.
- Toss in the onions, letting them sauté till they sing with a translucent hue.
- The minced garlic steps in next, followed by the trio of cumin, paprika, and turmeric.
- Once they start conversing, bring in the tomatoes. Let them mingle for a few.
- Chickpeas join the party, basking in the aromatic tomato concoction.
- Unleash the vegetable stock, and let the ingredients dance in a gentle boil.
- As the rhythm slows, let it simmer, ensuring chickpeas are soft and tales are shared.
- Season according to the tales of your taste buds.
- The grand finale: a sprinkle of cilantro, the crown jewel.
Pro Tips:
- Fancy an enhanced taste? Roast those tomatoes before they dive into the pot.
- Pressed for time? Canned chickpeas jump to the rescue but watch the clock; they need less time.
- Love a thick narrative? Blend some chickpeas and narrate them back to the pot.
Serving Slices:
- Let the soup sing on its stage, perhaps a deep bowl.
- Cilantro whispers and an olive oil drizzle amplify its song.
- A crusty bread slice, it’s the encore it truly deserves.
When it comes to Moroccan Chickpea Soup, it’s a narrative. Every ingredient has a story, every spice its folklore. From the souks of Fez to the Atlas Mountains, this is a dish steeped in tradition. And as you take each bite, know that you’re relishing centuries of culture, of tales told under starry skies, of recipes passed down generations.
But why does Moroccan Chickpea Soup hold such an esteemed place in the pantheon of world cuisines? Perhaps it’s the seamless blend of hearty chickpeas, the aromatic spices, or the love with which it’s often made.
Moreover, for a health and fitness enthusiast, this soup is a treasure trove. High in protein, packed with fiber, and low in fat, it’s the perfect post-workout meal or even a sumptuous supper. The chickpeas, being the star of the dish, are known powerhouses of nutrition. Not only are they rich in essential amino acids, but they also have a low glycemic index. This means sustained energy release, which is perfect for those intense workout days.
Moreover, the spices are not just flavor enhancers. Turmeric, for instance, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Cumin aids in digestion, while paprika is rich in antioxidants. When combined with the wholesome goodness of chickpeas, you have a dish that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful.
But what truly sets Moroccan Chickpea Soup apart is its versatility. Whether it’s a cold winter night, a lazy weekend, or just one of those days when you need comfort food, this soup is your go-to. Its rich, hearty texture, combined with the depth of flavors, makes it a favorite across age groups. And the best part? It’s so easy to make. Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, this recipe is foolproof.
In conclusion, as we celebrate the wonders of Moroccan Chickpea Soup, it’s essential to remember its roots. It’s not just a dish; it’s a legacy. A legacy of flavors, of traditions, of tales untold. So, the next time you savor this delicacy, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let your senses travel. Travel to Morocco, where every bite has a story to tell.
Moroccan Chickpea Soup
Nutritions
Ingredients
- * Chickpeas soaked overnight – 1 cup (240g)
- * Fresh tomatoes diced – 2 large
- * Onion finely chopped – 1 large
- * Garlic cloves minced – 2
- * Olive oil – 2 tablespoons 30ml
- * Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon 5g
- * Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon 2.5g
- * Ground turmeric – 1/2 teaspoon 2.5g
- * Vegetable stock – 4 cups 960ml
- * Fresh cilantro chopped – a handful
- * Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Let’s Get Cooking:
- Initiate by heating olive oil in a large pot.
- Toss in the onions, letting them sauté till they sing with a translucent hue.
- The minced garlic steps in next, followed by the trio of cumin, paprika, and turmeric.
- Once they start conversing, bring in the tomatoes. Let them mingle for a few.
- Chickpeas join the party, basking in the aromatic tomato concoction.
- Unleash the vegetable stock, and let the ingredients dance in a gentle boil.
- As the rhythm slows, let it simmer, ensuring chickpeas are soft and tales are shared.
- Season according to the tales of your taste buds.
- The grand finale: a sprinkle of cilantro, the crown jewel.
Notes
2. Pressed for time? Canned chickpeas jump to the rescue but watch the clock; they need less time.
3. Love a thick narrative? Blend some chickpeas and narrate them back to the pot. Serving Slices: – Let the soup sing on its stage, perhaps a deep bowl.
– Cilantro whispers and an olive oil drizzle amplify its song.
– A crusty bread slice, it’s the encore it truly deserv
Leave a Reply