Spiced Egyptian Chickpea and Tomato Rice Soup
This delightful Spiced Egyptian Chickpea and Tomato Rice Soup is an easy-to-make dish that warms the soul while delighting the palate. The sweet aromatic notes of allspice blend beautifully with the heartiness of chickpeas and the rich flavor of tomato juice, creating a balanced and comforting soup. Each spoonful is filled with nutritious ingredients and enhanced by the fragrant cilantro. Perfect as a light meal or a starter, this soup can be easily customized with leftover rice and broth, making it not just delicious but also an economical choice. The recipe combines simple techniques and aromatic spices to bring traditional Egyptian flavors to your kitchen.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
onion
1 small (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
fresh coriander (cilantro)
3-4 tablespoons (chopped & divided)
chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
14 ounces (rinsed and drained)
tomato juice
12 ounces (N/A)
water
16 ounces (N/A)
long grain rice
2 ounces (N/A)
salt and pepper
to taste (N/A)
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic to the pan, sautéing gently until the onions turn golden brown and fragrant.
3
Stir in 2 tablespoons of the chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) and cook for another minute to release the herb's flavor.
4
Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas, tomato juice, water, long grain rice, ground cumin, ground allspice, and season with salt and pepper.
5
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil while stirring well to combine all ingredients.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved cilantro on top of each bowl.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main flavors in this soup?
The soup features sweet aromatic notes of allspice combined with the heartiness of chickpeas and rich tomato juice.
Is Spiced Egyptian Chickpea and Tomato Rice Soup vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, rice, and vegetables.
How long should I simmer the soup?
The soup should simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender.
What type of rice is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of long grain rice.
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily customize the soup with leftover rice and broth to make it more economical.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe provides approximately 6 servings.
What spices are included in the soup?
The recipe uses ground cumin and ground allspice to provide its signature Egyptian flavor profile.
Do I need to rinse the chickpeas before cooking?
Yes, if using canned chickpeas, they should be rinsed and drained before being added to the soup.
How much tomato juice is required for the soup?
You will need 12 ounces of tomato juice to prepare this soup.
What is the primary garnish for this dish?
The soup is garnished with reserved fresh chopped coriander (cilantro) before serving.
Can I substitute fresh coriander if I do not like it?
While cilantro provides traditional flavor, you could try flat-leaf parsley as a substitute, though the taste profile will change.
How do I prepare the garlic and onion?
The onion should be finely chopped and the garlic cloves should be crushed before sautéing in olive oil.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup is best served hot as a comforting meal or starter.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the aromatics?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Can I use chicken stock instead of water?
Yes, substituting water with chicken or vegetable broth can add even more depth to the flavor of the soup.
Is this recipe easy for beginners to make?
Yes, it uses simple techniques and accessible aromatic spices, making it an easy recipe to follow.
Should I cover the pot while the soup simmers?
No, the instructions specify to allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
How much cumin is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, the description identifies it as a heart-warming dish that is perfect for providing comfort.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste during the step where you combine the chickpeas, juice, and rice.
What size of onion should I use?
The recipe suggests using one small onion for the base of the soup.
What is the specific amount of allspice used?
The recipe uses a subtle 1/8 teaspoon of ground allspice.
Can I use garbanzo beans instead of chickpeas?
Yes, chickpeas and garbanzo beans are the same ingredient and can be used interchangeably.
How much water is needed to cook the rice in the soup?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of water.
When do I add the fresh coriander?
You sauté 2 tablespoons with the onions and use the remaining amount as a garnish at the end.
What color should the onions be when sautéing?
The onions should be sautéed gently until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
Is this soup naturally gluten-free?
The core ingredients like rice and chickpeas are gluten-free, but you should always verify your spice and juice labels.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd or for meal prep.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 crushed garlic cloves.
Is this a traditional Egyptian recipe?
The soup is designed to bring traditional Egyptian flavors to your kitchen using regional aromatic spices and ingredients.