Spiced Mediterranean Chickpea Delight
This Spiced Mediterranean Chickpea Delight is a delightful blend of savory and aromatic spices, perfect for those chilly evenings when comfort food is a must. With a rich base of turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, this soup showcases the beloved chickpea in a way that even those who claim to dislike it might find themselves enjoying. Infused with the freshness of cilantro and the tangy richness of yogurt, each bowl is a flavor explosion that will warm the soul. The recipe is simple yet sophisticated, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Whether you serve it with soft naan or crispy chapati, this soup is sure to impress your family and friends, proving that sometimes, culinary magic can happen even when one family member may not be a fan of the main ingredient!
N/A
Servings
206
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Onion
1 (large, chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (large, minced)
Ginger
1 (tablespoon, fresh, minced fine)
Turmeric
1 (teaspoon)
Cumin
1.5 (teaspoons)
Garam masala
1.5 (teaspoons)
Cinnamon
0.25 (teaspoon)
Ground coriander
1.5 (teaspoons)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Vegetable broth
4 (cups)
Pepper
to taste
Potato
1 (lb, cleaned and chopped into smallish pieces)
Chickpeas
2 (15 ounce cans, drained)
Tomatoes
4 (large, sliced thick and cut in half or 1 (14 ounce) can stewed tomatoes)
Lemon juice
1 (tablespoon)
Yogurt
1 (cup, tempered (see description) or 1 cup sour cream)
Cilantro
0.5 (cup, minced)
Instructions
1
In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
2
Stir in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and all the spices (turmeric, cumin, garam masala, cinnamon, coriander, and salt). Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
3
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
4
Add the chopped potatoes, drained chickpeas, and the halved tomatoes to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 10-15 minutes.
5
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice for a refreshing zing.
6
Slowly incorporate the tempered yogurt into the soup, stirring gently to combine and avoid curdling. You can temper the yogurt by bringing it to room temperature and stirring it well before adding.
7
Finally, fold in the minced cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
8
Serve the soup hot, offering naan or chapati on the side for dipping and enjoying every last drop.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
33g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Mediterranean Chickpea Delight?
It is a savory and aromatic chickpea soup featuring a blend of turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, perfect for comfort food.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the soup is vegetarian and utilizes vegetable broth as its liquid base.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 206 calories.
What primary spices are used in this recipe?
The main spices include turmeric, cumin, garam masala, cinnamon, ground coriander, and salt.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
The potatoes should simmer for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until they are fork-tender.
Can I substitute the yogurt with something else?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of sour cream instead of the tempered yogurt.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of vegetable broth.
How do I temper the yogurt?
To temper the yogurt, bring it to room temperature and stir it well before slowly incorporating it into the hot soup to avoid curdling.
What sides go well with this chickpea soup?
This soup is best served with soft naan or crispy chapati for dipping.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute the 4 fresh tomatoes with one 14-ounce can of stewed tomatoes.
How much fat is in this dish?
This recipe contains 3 grams of fat per serving.
Does the recipe require fresh ginger?
Yes, it requires 1 tablespoon of fresh, finely minced ginger.
What is the protein content of this soup?
There are 8 grams of protein per serving.
How many cans of chickpeas are needed?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of chickpeas, which should be drained.
What oil should be used for sautéing?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 3 large, minced garlic cloves.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of potatoes, cleaned and chopped into small pieces.
When should the lemon juice be added?
Add the lemon juice after removing the pot from the heat for a refreshing zing.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features nutrient-dense chickpeas and vegetables.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a Dutch oven and sauté a chopped onion until translucent.
Which fresh herb is used for flavor at the end?
Half a cup of minced cilantro is folded in at the end of the cooking process.
What cookware is recommended?
A Dutch oven is recommended for preparing this soup.
Is there cinnamon in this Mediterranean soup?
Yes, the recipe include 0.25 teaspoon of cinnamon for aromatic depth.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe requires 1.5 teaspoons of cumin.
How much garam masala is needed?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of garam masala.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 18 ingredients in this recipe.
How long should the onion sauté?
Sauté the onion for about 3 minutes.
Is this soup spicy?
While aromatic and spiced with Moroccan flavors, it is described as a comfort food rather than strictly hot.
What provides the tangy flavor in the soup?
The tanginess comes from the combination of lemon juice and yogurt.