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Leblebi Soup

A comforting North African chickpea soup infused with garlic, cumin, harissa, and lemon, served over crusty torn bread.

30 minEasyServes 4310 cal/serving

North AfricanSoupStovetopVeganVegetarianMediterraneanHigh FiberHalal-friendlyKosher-styleNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large pot, combine 2 cans drained canned chickpeas, 4 cups water, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp salt.

  2. 2

    Bring the broth to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 15 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin and 2 tbsp harissa paste, then cook for 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Divide 2 cups torn crusty bread into serving bowls.

  5. 5

    Ladle hot soup over the bread and finish with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Leblebi Soup?

As written, 30 minutes: 10 of prep and 20 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 2 (15 minutes): "Bring the broth to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 15 minutes."

What can I use instead of harissa in Leblebi Soup?

The entry for Leblebi Soup 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 Leblebi Soup?

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 Leblebi Soup uses 2 cans canned chickpeas, drained.

Can I make Leblebi Soup less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Leblebi Soup 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 Leblebi Soup gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Leblebi Soup is 2 cups crusty bread, torn. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Leblebi Soup keep?

Refrigerate Leblebi Soup for up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Serve it with

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