Leb Lebi (Tunisian Chickpea Stew)

Leb Lebi (Tunisian Chickpea Stew) Recipe - Authentic Tunisian Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Tunisia | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 18 minutes | Servings: 5 to 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Leb Lebi is a traditional Tunisian chickpea stew that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. This dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

History

Leb Lebi has been a staple in Tunisian cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Berber tribes of North Africa. The dish has evolved over time, with different regions adding their own unique twists and variations. Today, Leb Lebi is enjoyed throughout Tunisia and beyond, loved for its rich flavors and comforting qualities.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chickpeas, dried, picked over and rinsed, soaked overnight in ample water to cover or speed-soaked
6 cup vegetable stock (p. 68 of book) OR garlic-parsley stock (p. 71 of book)
2 cup onions, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 tsp ground caraway seed
salt, to taste

Portion leb lebi

1 x 1 inch wedge of a fresh peasant loaf, crust removed, torn into 4 to 6 pieces
0.25 tsp freshly ground cumin
0.5 tbsp fruity olive oil
1 tbsp chopped pitted black olives, up to 2 tbsp
1 tsp drained capers
2 tsp harissa, to taste OR hot sauce, to taste

How to prepare

To prepare the soup, rinse and drain the Chickpeas. Place the Chickpeas, stock, onions, oil, and caraway in the cooker.
Lock the lid in place. Over high heat, bring to high pressure. Lower the heat just enough to maintain high pressure and cook for 18 minutes.
Allow the pressure to come down naturally or use a quick-release method.
Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to allow any excess steam to escape. If the Chickpeas are not meltingly soft, either return to high pressure for a few more minutes or replace (but do not lock) the lid and simmer until the Chickpeas are done. Add salt.
To assemble each portion of leb lebi: Place the bread in a large soup bowl. Sprinkle the freshly ground cumin seeds on top. Ladle enough stock and Chickpeas over the bread to thoroughly soften it. Stir in olive oil, capers, and harissa before serving.
Serves 5 to 6
NOTES: suggests serving this dish at an informal dinner party. Set out the chopped, drained capers, and harissa in small bowls and invite each guest to create his/her own combination. The amounts of seasonings for the serving portions are a guide.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Stir in some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro before serving.
Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas before cooking to remove any excess salt or debris.

- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your personal preference for spiciness.

- For a thicker stew, mash some of the chickpeas before serving.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or couscous for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Leb Lebi with a side of crusty bread, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a pressure cooker to cook the chickpeas quickly and efficiently.

- Simmer the stew on the stovetop for a longer period of time for a richer and more developed flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned chickpeas instead of dried for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute vegetable broth for the stock for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Leb Lebi can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Leb Lebi in individual bowls, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of cumin, and a few olives and capers on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Leb Lebi with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing mint tea for a perfect meal combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Leb Lebi contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Leb Lebi contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

With the addition of olive oil and olives, Leb Lebi provides healthy fats that are essential for brain function and overall health.

Proteins

Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, with each serving of Leb Lebi containing around 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin C, which are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread, and may contain allergens such as olives and capers. Be sure to check for any specific allergies before serving.

Summary

Leb Lebi is a nutritious and balanced meal option, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Leb Lebi is a delicious and nutritious Tunisian chickpea stew that is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it with friends and family for a taste of North African cuisine at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Leb Lebi. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Tunisia with my family. My mother was a fantastic cook, and she had a friend who was known throughout the village for her delicious Leb Lebi. I remember watching in awe as my mother's friend prepared the stew, the intoxicating aromas filling the air and making my mouth water.

I asked my mother's friend if she would teach me how to make the Leb Lebi, and she agreed, on one condition - that I promise to never reveal her secret recipe to anyone else. I eagerly agreed, and spent the entire day by her side, watching and taking notes as she expertly combined the ingredients and simmered the stew to perfection.

Over the years, I made the Leb Lebi countless times, always following the same recipe that had been passed down to me by my mother's friend. But as time went on, I couldn't help but make a few tweaks here and there, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to make the stew uniquely my own.

One day, as I was preparing the Leb Lebi for dinner, my husband walked into the kitchen and asked me what I was making. I smiled and told him about the recipe that had been handed down to me by my mother's friend. He took one look at the pot simmering on the stove and said, "That smells just like the Leb Lebi my grandmother used to make."

In that moment, a wave of nostalgia washed over me as I realized that the recipe for Leb Lebi had traveled through generations, bringing comfort and joy to families across the generations. I thought about all the people who had shared this dish with their loved ones, passing down not just a recipe, but a piece of their heritage and culture.

As I continued to stir the pot, I thought about how recipes have the power to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to our roots. Each time I make the Leb Lebi, I am reminded of my mother's friend, of my husband's grandmother, and of the countless others who have lovingly prepared this dish for their families.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of steaming hot Leb Lebi with my own family, I say a silent thank you to all those who have shared this recipe with me, and I promise to continue passing it down to future generations, keeping alive the tradition of this delicious Tunisian Chickpea Stew for many years to come.