Harira - Chickpea and Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1/2 bunch cilantro, fresh
• 1/2 bunch parsley, fresh
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup green lentil (or brown)

• 1/2 (19 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 (19 ounce) can tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 6 pitted dates, halved (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Chop 2 tbsp each of cilantro and parsley, set aside.

2. 2

   Tie together the remainder of the parsley and cilantro bunches and place in large sauce pan. Add chicken stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minute Discard herb bundle.

3. 3

   Add lentils, cover and simmer for 15 min.

4. 4

   Add chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, tumeric, and pepper, cover and simmer for 30 min.

5. 5

   Remove 3 cups of soup and blend with hand blender or food processor.

6. 6

   Return to pot and heat through. Stir in lemon juice, oil and reserved herbs.

7. 7

   Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with cinnamon and top of lemon slices and dates.