Dive into the vibrant flavors of Morocco with our Moroccan Tomato Couscous Chickpea Soup! This delightful dish combines the heartiness of chickpeas, the warmth of spices, and the comforting texture of couscous, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can create a nourishing bowl of goodness that will transport your taste buds to exotic lands. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this soup is sure to impress. Ready to tantalize your palate? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup couscous
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ground cinnamon to the pot. Stir continuously for 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn the spices.
- Pour in the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chickpeas to become tender.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Stir in the couscous, cover the pot, and remove from heat. Let the couscous steam and absorb the liquid for 5 minutes until it becomes fluffy.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the soup.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Tips
- Sauté with Care: When sautéing the onions, make sure they don’t brown too much; you want them to be soft and translucent to build a flavorful base for your soup.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of ground cinnamon based on your preference. A little extra can enhance the soup’s warmth, while a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick!
- Couscous Consistency: After adding the couscous, ensure you cover the pot tightly to trap steam, which is key to achieving fluffy couscous.
- Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, consider garnishing your soup with chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving.
- Make it Your Own: This recipe is versatile! Add in some chopped carrots or bell peppers for extra veggies, or toss in some cooked chicken for added protein.
- Leftovers Love: The soup stores well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just be mindful that the couscous may absorb more liquid, so you might want to add a bit more broth when reheating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
