Moroccan Harira Soup

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup lentils
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or garbanzo beans)
• 1/2 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (or ketchup)

Directions

1. 1

   Cook lentils in pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes. Drain.

2. 2

   Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion, parsley, cilantro, ginger, and cinnamon. Saute 5 minutes or until onion is soft.

3. 3

   Stir in tomatoes and saute 5 minutes more.

4. 4

   Stir in broth, chickpeas, lentils, reserved tomato liquid, and 3 cups water.

5. 5

   Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.

6. 6

   Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 45 minutes or until lentils are tender, stirring occassionally.

7. 7

   In separate bowl, whisk flour with 1 cup water.

8. 8

   Whisk in cilantro, lemon juice and tomato paste.

9. 9

   Add mixture to soup.

10. 10

    Add orzo to soup.

11. 11

    Cook for 5 minutes or until orzo is soft.