Arabian Chickpea Soup

Arabian Chickpea Soup Recipe - Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 12 hours | Cooking time: 2.5 hours | Servings: 6 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Arabian Chickpea Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that has been savored across the Middle East for centuries. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of chickpeas, spices, and vegetables to create a comforting bowl of soup that's perfect for any meal. Whether you're looking for a warming dish during the colder months or a fulfilling meal that's both healthy and delicious, this Arabian Chickpea Soup is sure to satisfy.

History

The tradition of making chickpea soup in Arabian cuisine dates back to ancient times. Chickpeas were one of the earliest cultivated legumes, and their versatility and nutritional value made them a staple in the diet of many Middle Eastern cultures. Over the years, various regions have adapted the recipe, adding local spices and ingredients to create unique variations. This version of Arabian Chickpea Soup is inspired by traditional recipes, with a blend of spices that gives it a distinctive flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups dried chickpeas, picked over, washed, and drained
2 medium-sized onions, peeled, and chopped
2 medium-sized boiling potatoes, peeled, and cut into 0.5-inch cubes
1 tbsp salt
0.5 tbsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin seeds
1 tsp ground coriander seeds
0.13 tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp lemon juice

How to prepare

Soak the chickpeas in 8 cups of water for 12 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
Put the chickpeas, onions, and 8 cups of water into a large pot and bring to a boil.
Cover partially, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 1 hour.
Add the potatoes, salt, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and another 0.75 cup of water.
Bring to a boil.
Cover and simmer on very low heat for another 1.5 hours. Stir a few times during this period.
Check the seasonings. Add the black pepper and lemon juice.
Stir to mix before serving.

Variations

Add spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra boost of greens.
Incorporate diced tomatoes for a tangy flavor and a richer broth.
For a non-vegetarian version, add chunks of cooked chicken or lamb.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Arabian Chickpea Soup, consider the following tips:

- Soak the chickpeas overnight to reduce cooking time and enhance their digestibility.

- Use fresh spices for a more vibrant flavor profile.

- Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to suit your taste for spiciness.

- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

- If the soup is too thick for your liking, add a little more water until you reach the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Arabian Chickpea Soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a side of warm, crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a flavorful Arabian Chickpea Soup lies in the slow simmering process. This technique allows the ingredients to soften and the flavors to develop fully. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If dried chickpeas are not available, canned chickpeas can be used as a time-saving alternative. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the soup.

- Sweet potatoes can be substituted for boiling potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste and additional nutrients.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. The flavors often deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in a deep bowl, garnished with a lemon wedge on the side. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika or sumac on top can add a touch of elegance and extra flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing mint lemonade. The acidity and freshness of the drink will complement the rich flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water if necessary to adjust the consistency.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this soup is relatively low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their calorie intake. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving contains approximately 200-300 calories.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Arabian Chickpea Soup is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your body. Chickpeas are high in complex carbohydrates, which digest slowly and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Potatoes also contribute to the carbohydrate content, adding dietary fiber and essential nutrients.

Fats

This soup is low in fat, making it a heart-healthy choice. The minimal fat content comes primarily from the chickpeas and the small amount of oil that may be used in the preparation of the onions. Opting for olive oil can add a dose of healthy monounsaturated fats.

Proteins

Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this soup a great option for vegetarians and vegans. The protein in chickpeas can help support muscle growth and repair, and when combined with the other ingredients, it makes for a well-rounded meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Arabian Chickpea Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the lemon juice, potassium from the potatoes, and a range of B vitamins from the chickpeas. The spices, such as turmeric and cumin, also contribute antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Alergens

This recipe is naturally free from most common allergens, including dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, those with specific food sensitivities should always check the ingredients list carefully and make adjustments as necessary.

Summary

Overall, Arabian Chickpea Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal. It provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, with a low fat and calorie content. It's also adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences.

Summary

Arabian Chickpea Soup is a timeless dish that combines the wholesome goodness of chickpeas with the rich flavors of Middle Eastern spices. It's nutritious, flavorful, and versatile, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Arabian Chickpea Soup. It was a warm summer day, and I was cleaning out my old recipe box, sorting through the yellowed and tattered index cards that held so many memories of meals gone by. As I shuffled through the cards, one caught my eye - a faded, hand-written recipe for a soup I had never heard of before.

The paper was creased and stained, evidence of many years spent in the kitchen. The handwriting was elegant and flowing, a testament to the care and attention that had gone into creating this recipe. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the fragrant spices and savory broth that would come together to form this delicious dish.

I knew immediately that I had to try making this soup. I had always been drawn to exotic flavors and bold spices, and the idea of creating a dish from a far-off land excited me. I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully measuring out each one as if they were precious jewels.

The recipe called for chickpeas, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that included cumin, coriander, and turmeric. It also called for a handful of fresh herbs - parsley, cilantro, and mint - to add a burst of freshness to the finished dish. I chopped and diced, sautéed and simmered, enjoying the rhythmic dance of the knife as it transformed raw ingredients into something magical.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with its heady aroma, I thought back to the many recipes I had collected over the years. Some had come from cookbooks, others from friends and family, and still others from chance encounters with strangers who had shared their culinary secrets with me.

Each recipe held a story, a memory of a time and a place where I had learned something new and exciting about the world of food. And now, as I stirred the pot of Arabian Chickpea Soup, I felt a sense of connection to a culture and a cuisine that was far removed from my own.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. I sat down at the table and took my first spoonful, savoring the complex flavors that danced on my tongue. The chickpeas were tender, the broth rich and spicy, the herbs bright and aromatic. It was a symphony of tastes and textures, a culinary masterpiece that had been centuries in the making.

As I finished my bowl of soup, I felt a sense of gratitude for the person who had shared this recipe with me, whoever they may have been. I imagined them standing in their own kitchen, carefully measuring out the same ingredients, stirring the same pot, savoring the same flavors. And I felt a kinship with them, a shared love of food and cooking that transcended time and distance.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire, a dish that I would make again and again, sharing it with friends and family and passing it down to future generations. And as I washed the dishes and tidied up the kitchen, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I had unlocked a new culinary treasure and added another chapter to the story of my life in food.