On chilly evenings, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to warm you up from the inside out. If you’re looking to add a touch of exotic flavors to your soup repertoire, why not try this delicious and aromatic Spicy Moroccan Chicken Soup? This recipe brings together the bold spices and vibrant colors of Moroccan cuisine in a soothing, brothy concoction that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your home with irresistible scents. Let’s dive into creating this soul-nourishing dish!
**Spicy Moroccan Chicken Soup**
*Serves: 4-6*
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1/2 cup green lentils, rinsed
– 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– Greek yogurt or sour cream, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the spices.
3. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed.
6. Ladle the Spicy Moroccan Chicken Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, a wedge of lemon for squeezing, and additional cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
Enjoy this Spicy Moroccan Chicken Soup as a satisfying meal on its own or pair it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and hearty dinner. The layers of spices will transport you to the bustling markets of Marrakech, while the nourishing ingredients will make you feel right at home. So, next time you’re craving a cozy and exotic twist on classic comfort food, give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a bowl of warmth and flavor.
