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Lablabi

A hearty North African chickpea soup made with garlic, cumin, harissa, and lemon juice poured over crusty stale bread.

25 minEasyServes 4380 cal/serving

North AfricanSoupStovetopVeganVegetarianMediterraneanHigh FiberHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 cans canned chickpeas, drained
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 cups stale crusty bread, torn
  • 2 tbsp harissa paste
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine 2 cans drained canned chickpeas, 4 cups water, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp salt in a pot.

  2. 2

    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.

  3. 3

    Divide 4 cups torn stale crusty bread evenly into serving bowls.

  4. 4

    Ladle the hot broth and chickpeas into each prepared bowl.

  5. 5

    Drizzle with 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, and 2 tbsp lemon juice before serving.

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Questions

What is Lablabi?

A hearty North African chickpea soup made with garlic, cumin, harissa, and lemon juice poured over crusty stale bread. This reference files it under North African soup: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 25 minutes start to finish.

Is there a substitute for harissa in Lablabi?

The entry for Lablabi calls for 2 tbsp harissa paste. In its place: Mix a chili paste such as sambal oelek or sriracha with a pinch each of ground cumin, coriander and caraway, plus a little olive oil.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned in Lablabi?

Yes. One 15-ounce can is about one and a half cups of cooked beans, which comes from a generous half cup dried. Soak them overnight and simmer until tender before you start the recipe. As written, the entry for Lablabi uses 2 cans canned chickpeas, drained.

Can I make Lablabi less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Lablabi comes from 2 tbsp harissa paste. For a milder plate, start with half the harissa and add more to taste at the end; nothing else in the method changes.

Can I make Lablabi gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Lablabi is 4 cups stale crusty bread, torn. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

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