Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Tunisia with this soul-warming tomato soup that's about to become your new comfort food obsession! Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and hearty lentils, this soup isn't just a meal—it's a flavor-packed adventure that will make your kitchen smell like a North African marketplace. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious food explorer, this recipe promises to deliver a delicious experience that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Tunisian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, allowing them to cook down for about 5 minutes. This will help to concentrate their flavor and create a base for the soup.
- Add the cooked chickpeas and lentils to the pot, mixing well with the tomato and onion mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- After simmering, stir in the cumin, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Once the soup is heated through, remove it from the heat. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes when possible for the most intense flavor. If using canned tomatoes, choose high-quality, San Marzano varieties.
- Toast your cumin briefly in the pot before adding other ingredients to enhance its nutty, aromatic qualities.
- For a creamier texture, consider blending half the soup and leaving the rest chunky, creating a more complex mouthfeel.
- Make this soup ahead of time—it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Don't rush the simmering process. Allowing the soup to simmer slowly helps meld the flavors and tenderize the ingredients.
- For added depth, consider garnishing with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of smoked paprika in addition to the fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
