Velvety Moroccan Sweet Potato and Chickpea Delight
Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of Morocco with this velvety soup that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and carrots, balanced by hearty chickpeas. This comforting bowl is infused with a blend of spices like cumin and coriander, creating a complex flavor profile that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy lunch at home, this easy-to-make soup is sure to impress. Adjust the lemon juice to enhance the taste, especially if you're using particularly sweet veggies, making it your very own signature dish!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Onion
1 large (roughly chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Ground Coriander
1 teaspoon (spice)
Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons (spice)
Chili Powder
1/4 teaspoon (spice)
Sweet Potatoes
600 g (peeled and diced)
Carrots
500 g (peeled and sliced)
Chicken or Vegetable Stock
6 cups (liquid)
Chickpeas
300 g (cooked)
Lemon
1/2 (juice only)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and crushed garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
2
Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, and chili powder, allowing them to bloom in the heat for 2 minutes, which will enhance their flavors.
3
Introduce the diced sweet potatoes and sliced carrots to the pan. Sweat the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, ensuring all ingredients are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to simmer for 20 minutes.
5
Add the chickpeas and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the chickpeas are thoroughly heated and tender.
6
Use an immersion blender or transfer to a stand blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt, fresh black pepper, and adjust the lemon juice to taste, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Moroccan Sweet Potato and Chickpea Delight?
It is a rich, aromatic Moroccan-inspired soup that combines sweet potatoes, carrots, and chickpeas with traditional spices.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary vegetables used in this soup?
The main vegetables are 600 grams of sweet potatoes and 500 grams of carrots.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it can be made fully vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
What spices are included in the Moroccan blend?
The soup uses a combination of ground coriander, ground cumin, and a touch of chili powder.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves that have been crushed.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the aromatics?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
You should sauté the chopped onion and crushed garlic for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
What does it mean to let the spices 'bloom'?
Blooming involves stirring the spices in hot oil for 2 minutes to enhance their flavor profile before adding other ingredients.
How long do the sweet potatoes and carrots need to sweat?
They should be cooked in the pan for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
How much stock is required for the soup?
The recipe requires 6 cups of chicken or vegetable stock.
How long is the initial simmering process?
Once the stock is added and brought to a boil, you should cover and simmer the soup for 20 minutes.
When are the chickpeas added to the pot?
The chickpeas are added after the initial 20-minute simmer of the sweet potatoes and carrots.
How long do the chickpeas need to cook?
The chickpeas should simmer with the rest of the ingredients for an additional 10 minutes.
Should the chickpeas be cooked before adding them?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 300 grams of cooked chickpeas.
How do I make the soup smooth and creamy?
You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a stand blender.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice at the end?
Lemon juice helps balance the flavors and cuts through the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe suggests using the juice from 1/2 of a lemon, adjusted to your personal taste.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this soup?
Yes, the 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder can be increased if you prefer a spicier profile.
What garnishes are recommended for serving?
The soup is best served hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a simple drizzle of olive oil.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, vegetarian-friendly dish filled with fiber and vitamins from vegetables and legumes.
What size should the onion be chopped?
The onion should be roughly chopped since it will eventually be blended into the soup.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and diced into even pieces.
How should the carrots be sliced?
The carrots should be peeled and sliced before being added to the pan.
Does the soup require fresh black pepper?
Yes, seasoning with salt and fresh black pepper is the final step to ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, as a blended soup, it stores and reheats very well, making it ideal for lunches.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of cooked ones?
The recipe calls for cooked chickpeas; if using dried, you must soak and cook them separately before adding them to the soup.
What is the total simmering time after the stock is added?
The total simmering time is approximately 30 minutes (20 minutes for veggies, 10 minutes for chickpeas).
How many garlic cloves does the recipe use?
The recipe uses 2 crushed garlic cloves.
Is this soup served cold or hot?
This soup is intended to be served hot as a comforting meal.