Fragrant Harira (Moroccan lentil soup)

Ingredients

• 1 pcs Onion
• 2 clove Garlic
• 1 tsp Ginger root
• 2 tbsp Tomato puree
• 3 pcs Carrots
• 1 pcs Bell pepper
• 40 g Red lentils
• 1 tsp Cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp Sweet red paprika powder
• 1 tsp Turmeric, ground
• 1 pinch Cinnamon, ground
• 400 g Chickpeas, canned
• 1 pcs Lemon
• 1 tsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp Fresh ground salt
• 1 pinch Black pepper, ground
• 1 tbsp Parsley, chopped, fresh
• 1 tbsp Fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 tbsp Chives, chopped

Method

1. Clean and finely chop the onion, garlic and ginger.
2. Clean and thinly slice the carrots and bell peppers.
3. Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the onion and fry for a few minutes, add the ginger, stir fry, when you smell the aroma add the garlic, red lentils, tomato paste and carrot, stir fry for a few minutes, then add the pepper.
4. Sprinkle with the cumin, red pepper and turmeric - and cinnamon - season with salt and pepper, add 1.2 litres of water or the same amount of stock and simmer over a medium heat, half-covered, for 15 minutes.
5. Using a hand blender, blend a little into the soup to make it thicker, but keep most of it chunky, then add the drained cooked (canned) chickpeas and cook for 5 minutes more.
6. Taste, add more salt if necessary, squeeze the lemon juice and serve with a sprinkling of finely chopped herbs, and extra lemon.