During the colder months, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting bowl of soup to cozy up with at home. Combining the flavors of Lebanon, this Lebanese Chickpea and Rice Soup is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking for a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or for cozying up on a lazy weekend afternoon.
Lebanese Chickpea And Rice Soup
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 1 cup uncooked rice
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Drain the soaked chickpeas and add them to the pot. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, and paprika, coating the vegetables and chickpeas with the spices.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chickpeas are tender.
5. Stir in the uncooked rice and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spices if needed.
7. Serve the Lebanese Chickpea and Rice Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the soup before eating.
Enjoy this Lebanese Chickpea and Rice Soup as a satisfying and flavorful meal that will warm you up from the inside out. The combination of hearty chickpeas, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice makes this soup a wholesome and delicious option for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe with your favorite seasonal vegetables or herbs for a personalized touch. Gather your loved ones around the table and savor the flavors of Lebanon with every spoonful of this comforting soup.
