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Moroccan Spiced Lentil and Chickpea Soup

Wed, 8 January 2025

Moroccan Spiced Lentil and Chickpea Soup

Ingredients 


For the Soup: 

  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  •  2 tbsp olive oil 
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 
  • 2 celery sticks, finely diced 
  • 2 carrots, finely diced 
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds 
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon 
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric 
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika 
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional) 
  • 5 tomatoes, roughly chopped or 1 tin of chopped tomaotes
  • 1 litre vegetable stock
  • 200 g red split lentils, washed 
  • 2 tbsp rose harissa paste (or 1 tbsp standard harissa paste) 
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 
  • 3 handfuls fresh coriander, roughly chopped 
  • 1 tsp sea salt 
     

For the Tahini Dressing: 

  • Juice of 1 lemon 
  • 1 tbsp tahini 
  • 3–4 tbsp water 
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 
     

For Serving: 

  • Fresh coriander leaves 
  • Chili flakes (optional) 
     

Method 


Prepare the Soup 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 7–8 minutes until softened and lightly browned# 
  • Stir in the garlic, celery, and carrots, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften 
  • Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (if using). 
  • Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices, allowing the aromas to develop 
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften slightly. 
  • Pour in the vegetable stock, followed by the lentils and harissa. Stir to combine, then cover the pan and simmer for 10 minutes. 
  • Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen. 
  • Stir in the chickpeas and chopped coriander. Adjust seasoning with sea salt and additional spices if needed. 


Make the Tahini Dressing

  • Combine the lemon juice, tahini, water, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or mini blender. 
  • Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water, if needed. 


Serve the Soup

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with the tahini dressing. 
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a sprinkle of chili flakes, if desired. 

 
Chef’s Tips: 

  • For added depth, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. 
  • Customize the spice level by adjusting the harissa and chili flakes to your preference 
  • Serve with warm flatbread or crusty bread for a complete meal enjoy

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