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Authentic Moroccan Chickpea Soup Recipe with Warm Spices

Chickpeas + lentils + warm spices = a comforting soup for cold, blustery days.

Moroccan soup

As National Soup Month draws to a close, this Moroccan-inspired soup is a satisfying way to celebrate. It combines Middle Eastern and North African flavors for a hearty, aromatic meal—perfect with flatbreads or a crisp salad.

Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup
Recipe Type: Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Author: Renee Pottle
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4 servings
A warming, spice-scented soup made with chickpeas, red lentils and Israeli couscous—simple to make and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 leek, chopped (white and light green parts)
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 large zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained)
  • 1/4 cup red lentils
  • 1/2 cup Israeli couscous
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or Italian parsley (optional)
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped leek, celery and carrots and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the leeks begin to soften.
  2. Stir in the turmeric, cinnamon, ground ginger, cumin, salt and pepper, coating the vegetables evenly with the spices and cooking for a minute to release their aroma.
  3. Add the sliced zucchini, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, cooked chickpeas and red lentils. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Lower the heat slightly and stir in the Israeli couscous. Maintain a simmer.
  5. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils and couscous are tender. Stir occasionally and add a splash more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick or starts to stick.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Accompany with warm flatbreads for a heartier meal.
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Enjoy a bowl of this fragrant, nourishing soup any time you need something cozy and flavorful. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be gently reheated, adding a little extra broth if needed.