Warning: This chickpea soup is hot!
I’ve always had recourse to bessara (legume soup) as an antidote for cold weather. Lentil, white bean or split pea soup have always been a staple of our winter dinners.
So when I warned that this soup was hot, it was as much for the warming effect it has on the body as it was for its spiciness. It definitely has a bit of a kick. But it’ll still warm you up from head to toe (although to a lesser degree) if you choose to make it mild and leave out the pepper flakes.
I find bessara to taste better the second day, and even better the third and fourth. So don’t hesitate to double or triple the amount of ingredients suggested to make a large pot that will last you for days.
With a bit of foresight, it’ll come in handy for those nights when you don’t feel like making dinner. You can simply reheat a bowl and enjoy it with a hunk of country bread or baguette and a wedge of fresh goat cheese, and you’ve got yourself a meal.
Moroccan Chickpea Soup Recipe
4 to 6 servings
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 5 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 small potato, peeled and halved
- 1 small red onion, yellow onion or leek, peeled and halved
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 bay leaves
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- Lemon juice and paprika for serving (optional)
Place all of the ingredients in a soup pot over medium heat. Cover with a lid and cook, 20 to 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Blend the soup into a puree using a stick or a container blender.
Serve warm with a generous squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of paprika. Refrigerate leftovers for up to a week.
hi Jennifer!
I Never Tried Chickpea Bessara! I Really like the traditional Bessara with fava beans. It’s Seriously One of the Best Things to eat on cold days. As I love Chickpeas, I will Hopefully Try your Wonderful Recipe Soon! It Sounds Great! Thanks for the inspiration!
Greetings
Habiba
Hey Habiba!
Thank you for reaching out. You have to try it you’ve never had it. Let me know how you like it.
/ Jennifer