Harira (Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup)

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 tbsp. turmeric
• 1 tbsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 400g canned crushed tomatoes
• 1.2 L vegetable stock
• 150g green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 400g canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation steps

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery and carrot. Saute for 5-7 minutes until soft.
2. Add turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until the spices are fragrant.
3. Incorporate the crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil.
4. Add the rinsed lentils. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
5. Add the chickpeas, parsley and coriander (reserve some for garnish). Leave to simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Incorporate the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and cilantro, with additional lemon wedges.