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Chickpea and Tahini Soup

The classic Middle Eastern team of chickpeas and tahini (sesame paste) is combined in a tasty, offbeat soup. Serve with fresh whole wheat pita bread. Middle Eastern bulgur salad (tabbouleh) and a steamed green vegetable round this meal out nicely.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups water with 2 vegetable bouillon cubes, or other stock option (page 9)
2 cups sliced white, baby bella, or crimini mushrooms
1 cup finely shredded green cabbage
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons salt-free seasoning (see page 4 for brands)
Two 16-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 to 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, to taste
3 to 4 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced
2 to 3 tablespoons minced fresh dill, or more to taste
Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon, to taste
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onion and garlic and sauté over medium-low heat until golden.

    Step 2

    Add the water with bouillon cubes, mushrooms, cabbage, and seasonings. Bring to a rapid simmer, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, set aside 1 cup of the chickpeas and place the remainder in a food processor or blender with the tahini. Add a little water as needed to thin the consistency. Process until smoothly pureed. Stir the puree into the soup pot.

    Step 4

    Stir in the reserved chickpeas, bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer very gently for 10 minutes.

    Step 5

    Stir in the parsley, scallions, dill, and lemon juice. Add water as needed for a medium-thick consistency.

    Step 6

    Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes longer. Serve at once, or let stand off the heat for an hour or two. Heat through before serving.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 7

    Per serving:

    Step 8

    Calories: 247

    Step 9

    Total fat: 11g

    Step 10

    Protein: 10g

    Step 11

    Fiber: 11g

    Step 12

    Carbohydrate: 31g

    Step 13

    Cholesterol: 0mg

    Step 14

    Sodium: 280mg

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