Chickpea Harissa Soup
Warm Up with Flavor: Chickpea Harissa Soup – A Taste of North Africa
Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy soup to brighten up your week? Look no further than our Chickpea Harissa Soup! This vibrant soup brings the bold flavors of North Africa right to your kitchen. It’s packed with plant-based protein, warming spices, and a delightful kick of harissa paste. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What makes this soup special?
This isn’t your average chickpea soup. The harissa paste is the star, adding a complex heat and smoky depth that elevates the entire dish. We’ve balanced the spice with a touch of lemon juice and optional honey, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight meal.
A Flavorful Journey to North Africa
Harissa is a Tunisian hot chili paste made from roasted red peppers, Baklouti peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, and other spices. It’s a staple in North African cuisine, adding a fiery and fragrant touch to everything from soups and stews to marinades and dips. Using harissa in this soup instantly transports your taste buds to the bustling markets and vibrant kitchens of North Africa.
Tips for the Perfect Soup:
- Harissa Heat Level: Harissa pastes vary in heat. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, use a mild harissa or reduce the amount.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can partially or fully blend it with an immersion blender.
- Toppings Galore: Get creative with your toppings! A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley, a dollop of yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon juice all add extra flavor and texture.
- Make it Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your harissa paste doesn’t contain any animal products.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is harissa? Harissa is a North African chili paste made from roasted peppers, spices, and herbs. It adds a spicy, smoky flavor to dishes.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Is this soup spicy? It can be! The spice level depends on the harissa paste you use. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned? Yes, you can! You’ll need about 1 cup of dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and cooked until tender before adding them to the soup.
- What can I serve with this soup? This soup pairs well with crusty bread for dipping, a side salad, or couscous.
We hope you enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Chickpea Harissa Soup! Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Chickpea Harissa Soup
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 large carrot diced (about 1/4 cup)
- 6 cloves garlic peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1-2 tablespoons harissa or to taste
- 2 cans chickpeas 14-ounce cans
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- to taste Honey optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and a pinch of salt, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cumin and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Stir in the harissa and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
- Add the chickpeas and their liquid. Fill a can with water, and add that to the pot as well. Season with salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are warmed and the flavors have come together, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Now taste it: Add salt, water (if too thick), honey (if too spicy), and/or harissa (if not spicy enough) to your liking. Serve hot, with whichever toppings you like.
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