Middle-eastern chickpea soup

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupOnion(s), chopped
1tablespoonOlive oil
½cupUnpeeled carrots, chopped
½cupCelery, chopped
3Garlic clove(s), minced
5cupsVegetable or other stock
2teaspoonsSalt
2teaspoonsGround cumin seeds pref roasted
Lemon wedges
Chopped cilantro
1teaspoonPepper
1Bay leaf
cupWhite rice washed and drained
2tablespoonsParsley, chopped
1can(16oz) tomatoes
1cupCooked chickpeas homemade or canned
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

GARNISH

1. In a large heavy pot, saut‚ the onion in the olive oil until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add the carrots and celery, and cook until soft, another 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and saut‚ until it begins to turn golden, 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the stock and turn the heat to high. Bring the soup to a simmer, then add the salt, cumin, pepper, bay leaf, rice, and parsley.

3. Empty the can of tomatoes into a bowl. Squish the tomatoes thoroughly, then add the crushed tomatoes to the soup.

4. When the soup returns to a simmer, turn the heat to low. cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chickpeas and simmer an additional 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.

5, Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges, cilantro, and a sprinkling of cheese.

Can be refrigerated for 3 days. Reheat before serving.

The Occasional Vegetarian by Karen Lee ISBN 0-446-51792-5 pg 79-80 Submitted By DIANE LAZARUS On 10-05-95