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Moroccan Chickpea Soup Recipe

4.9 from 666 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Moroccan Chickpea Soup that combines tender chickpeas, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic spices simmered to perfection. This comforting soup is perfect for cozy meals and showcases traditional North African flavors in a simple, nourishing dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain, then boil them in fresh water until tender, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If using canned chickpeas, simply rinse and drain them well.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook the spices with the onions for about 2 minutes to release their aromas. Then add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they break down slightly.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Add the cooked or canned chickpeas to the pot along with the vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally and season with salt to taste.
  5. Serve Warm: Ladle the Moroccan Chickpea Soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve warm. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or flatbread.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, gently mash some of the chickpeas before serving.
  • You can add other vegetables such as carrots or potatoes for added texture and nutrition.
  • Adjust the spice level to your preference by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.
  • Using canned chickpeas reduces preparation time significantly.
  • This soup is delicious served with a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess (optional).

Keywords: Moroccan chickpea soup, chickpea soup, North African soup, vegetarian soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe