Spiced Moroccan Chickpea and Carrot Soup
Experience the rich flavors of Morocco with this hearty and nourishing Spiced Moroccan Chickpea and Carrot Soup. A delightful blend of tender carrots, protein-packed chickpeas, and aromatic spices creates a comforting dish that's perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something wholesome. This soup is not only easy to prepare but also wonderfully versatile. Serve it with a garnish of your choice and enjoy a taste of North Africa right in your kitchen.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Safflower oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Carrots
2 (grated)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Onion
1 medium (chopped fine (1/2 cup))
Chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Vegetable stock
3 cups (divided)
Tahini
1/3 cup (added directly)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon (spice)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (spice)
Thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
Turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon (spice)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (spice)
Instructions
1
In a large 4-5 quart saucepan, heat the safflower oil over medium heat.
2
Add the grated carrots, minced garlic, and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
3
While the vegetables are cooking, combine the rinsed chickpeas, 1 cup of vegetable stock, tahini, and lemon juice in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Pour the pureed chickpea mixture into the saucepan with the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to combine.
5
Add the remaining vegetable stock along with cumin, black pepper, thyme, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir to incorporate all ingredients.
6
Cover the saucepan and allow the soup to cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring it is heated through and flavors meld together.
7
Serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds, minced scallions, chopped tomatoes, or herbed garlic-flavored croutons as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Moroccan Chickpea and Carrot Soup?
It is a hearty and nourishing soup featuring tender carrots, protein-packed chickpeas, and aromatic Moroccan-inspired spices.
What are the main vegetables used in this recipe?
The primary vegetables are carrots, garlic, and onion.
How many servings does this soup recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of safflower oil.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be grated before being added to the soup.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the grated carrots, minced garlic, and chopped onion for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
What is blended with the chickpeas in the food processor?
The chickpeas are blended with 1 cup of vegetable stock, tahini, and lemon juice until smooth.
Is this soup recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, it is a plant-based recipe using vegetable stock and tahini, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
What spices are used to flavor this Moroccan soup?
The spice blend includes ground cumin, black pepper, thyme leaves, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper.
How much vegetable stock is required in total?
A total of 3 cups of vegetable stock is used, divided between blending and simmering.
What role does tahini play in this soup?
Tahini is blended with the chickpeas to create a rich, smooth, and creamy texture.
How long does the soup simmer after all ingredients are combined?
The soup should cook for an additional 5 minutes once all ingredients are incorporated.
What are some recommended garnishes for this soup?
Recommended garnishes include toasted sesame seeds, minced scallions, chopped tomatoes, or herbed garlic-flavored croutons.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried chickpeas?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of chickpeas, which should be rinsed and drained.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is the soup spicy?
The soup has a mild heat due to the inclusion of 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be chopped fine to yield approximately 1/2 cup.
Can I use fresh parsley in this soup?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
What size saucepan should I use?
A large 4 to 5 quart saucepan is recommended for this recipe.
Is there any turmeric in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder is used for flavor and color.
How much lemon juice is added?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can I use dried thyme?
Yes, the recipe allows for either dried or fresh thyme leaves.
How much cumin is included in the spice mix?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings.
What is the first step in making the soup?
The first step is heating the safflower oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, the soup is described as protein-packed due to the inclusion of chickpeas.
What gives the soup its creamy consistency?
The creamy consistency is achieved by pureeing the chickpeas with stock and tahini.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, the instructions are straightforward and the recipe is tagged as an easy recipe.
Are there any suggested side dishes mentioned?
While not explicitly listed as ingredients, it suggests serving with garnishes like herbed garlic-flavored croutons.
Does the recipe contain black pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.