Vegetarian Iftar Recipe | Tunisian Chickpea Soup

Today we feature a vegetarian iftar recipe from Tunisia called the leblebi, which is chickpea soup. This dish is made a lot in Tunisia during the Ramadan period. This recipe is relatively easy to make, and is a nutritious vegetarian iftar meal that will be loved by all in the family, especially the children.


Vegetarian Iftar Recipe
Leblebi
Tunisian Chickpea Soup




Ingredients

28 ounces canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed OR
2 cups dried chickpeas soaked overnight in 2 quarts of water, then drained and rinsed after 1-2 hours of steady, covered simmer until tender [Length of cooking depends on age of chickpeas and heat intensity.]
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
5 cups water
2 generous teaspoons toasted ground cumin (Heat for 5 minutes in a dry skillet or until browned and fragrant.)
2 teaspoons harisa, prepared or homemade
[No additional salt needed. Harisa, capers and preserved lemon all contain salt.]

Any one or more of the following garnishes:

capers
cilantro leaves
parsley leaves
chopped bell pepper
toasted cumin seeds
chopped hard-cooked egg
preserved lemon slices
toasted bread strips or croutons
additional harisa

Method

In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil then add the onion, stirring occasionally until it is translucent and golden without browning. Add garlic, coating with onion mixture before stirring in the chickpeas, water, ground cumin and harisa. Simmer for 30 minutes. Garnish as desired.

Try this Vegetarian Iftar Recipe Today!