Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Tomato and Chickpea Chowder?
Savory Tomato and Chickpea Chowder, also known as Hasa Tamata Ma' Hummus, is a traditional Iraqi dish featuring tomatoes, chickpeas, rice, and aromatic spices.
What is the traditional Iraqi name for this dish?
The traditional name for this soup is Hasa Tamata Ma' Hummus.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this dish is classified as Middle Eastern vegetarian cooking.
How many calories are in a serving of this chowder?
There are approximately 219 calories per serving.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this soup?
The soup combines vibrant ripe tomatoes, hearty chickpeas, and aromatic spices like allspice and cumin.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 1g of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 6g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content of the chowder?
The dish contains 43g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the Savory Tomato and Chickpea Chowder?
There are 6g of dietary fiber per serving.
What spices are used to season this soup?
The main spices used are ground cumin and ground allspice, along with salt and pepper to taste.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 4 crushed garlic cloves.
How much tomato juice is needed?
You will need 3 cups of tomato juice, which can be fresh or canned.
What type of chickpeas should I use?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
How much rice is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of rinsed rice.
What is the first step in preparing the chowder?
The first step is to melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan and sauté chopped onions until they caramelize.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
The onions should be sautéed for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown.
When do I add the garlic and cilantro?
Add the garlic, cilantro, cumin, and allspice after the onions have caramelized, then sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
How much water is added to the soup?
The recipe requires 4 cups of filtered water.
At what point is the rice added to the pot?
The rice is added once the mixture of chickpeas, tomato juice, and water has reached a rolling boil.
How long does the soup need to simmer once the rice is added?
The soup should simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Is cilantro used as a garnish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished soup with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
What can I serve with this Iraqi chowder?
It is recommended to serve this dish with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooking.
What makes this a comfort food?
Its warming properties, aromatic spices, and hearty ingredients make it a perfect comfort food for cooler months.
Should the chickpeas be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, they should be drained and rinsed if using canned chickpeas.
Can I adjust the spice levels?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Is there butter in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of butter are used to sauté the base aromatics.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried cilantro?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro.
What is the suggested heat level for simmering?
After reaching a boil, the heat should be reduced to medium for simmering.