This Lamb Shawarma Chickpea Soup is a flavorful, hearty dish that blends the intoxicating spices of shawarma with the comforting warmth of a chickpea soup. The tender lamb, loaded with spices, complements the rich, earthy chickpeas and the freshness of spinach, creating a well-balanced meal in a single bowl. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients, ideal for any chilly day.
For an extra touch, serve this soup with a dollop of plain yogurt and a generous sprinkle of fresh coriander. The tangy yogurt balances the spices beautifully, while the coriander adds a refreshing burst of flavor. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this soup is sure to impress with its depth of flavors and simplicity.
Full Recipe:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 onion, finely chopped
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500g (1 lb) ground lamb (or beef)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 carrots, peeled and chopped
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600g (21 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed (1.5 standard cans)
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400g (14 oz) can crushed tomato
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3 cups (750ml) chicken broth
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1 bunch spinach, roughly chopped
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Shawarma Spice Mix:
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2 tsp cumin powder
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2 tsp coriander powder
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2 tsp paprika
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1 tsp cardamom powder (optional)
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1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
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1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp salt
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Garnishes:
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Plain yoghurt (or sour cream)
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Fresh coriander (cilantro)
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Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook for 1 minute until the onion turns translucent.
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Add ground lamb and cook, breaking it up until it’s mostly browned.
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Stir in the shawarma spice mix and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
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Stir in the carrots, chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
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Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and cook for about 10 minutes, until the carrots are tender but still have a slight bite.
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Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or cayenne for extra heat.
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Serve the soup with a dollop of yoghurt and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 458 kcal | Servings: 4-5 servings
Lamb Shawarma Chickpea Soup: A Flavorful Journey
Lamb Shawarma Chickpea Soup is a dish that effortlessly blends the rich, warm spices of Middle Eastern shawarma with the heartiness of chickpeas and tender lamb. This soup is a delicious fusion of savory, aromatic flavors that are comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal for a chilly evening or a way to bring bold flavors into your kitchen, this dish will surely captivate your taste buds.
Flavor Profile
The magic of Lamb Shawarma Chickpea Soup lies in its bold and fragrant spices. Shawarma, a Middle Eastern dish known for its aromatic blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, and other spices, provides the soup with a unique depth of flavor. The lamb, cooked with these spices, infuses the soup with rich, savory undertones that make every spoonful indulgent and satisfying.
The chickpeas add a soft, creamy texture to the soup, absorbing all the spices and broth, making them a perfect complement to the lamb. The spinach adds freshness and a slight bitterness that balances out the richness of the lamb and the sweetness of the carrots. Overall, the soup delivers a harmonious blend of flavors: spicy, savory, earthy, and just a touch of sweetness from the vegetables.
Health Benefits
Lamb Shawarma Chickpea Soup is not only a treat for the senses but also offers various health benefits. Lamb is a great source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. These nutrients are crucial for supporting muscle health, boosting immunity, and maintaining healthy red blood cells.
Chickpeas, the star legume in this dish, provide a hearty dose of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins like folate and manganese. The fiber content in chickpeas helps with digestion and promotes gut health. Spinach, a leafy green, brings in a wealth of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron. These nutrients help support healthy skin, vision, and bone health while also boosting your immune system.
The combination of these ingredients makes Lamb Shawarma Chickpea Soup a well-rounded dish, providing protein, fiber, and essential vitamins while keeping you full and satisfied.
Serving Suggestions
This Lamb Shawarma Chickpea Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways to suit different occasions. It’s hearty enough to be enjoyed as a stand-alone meal, perfect for a cozy dinner. To elevate the experience, serve it with a side of warm homemade flatbreads or crusty artisan bread. The bread will help you soak up the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying.
For a lighter, refreshing contrast, serve the soup with a simple green salad topped with lemon vinaigrette. The tangy dressing will cut through the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing balance. You can also top the soup with a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. The cool, creamy yogurt perfectly complements the spiciness of the soup, while the cilantro adds a burst of freshness.
This dish is perfect for any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a more elaborate gathering with family and friends. It’s easy to scale up the recipe for larger groups, making it ideal for meal prepping or serving at parties.
Tips for Customizing
One of the best things about Lamb Shawarma Chickpea Soup is how easily it can be customized to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. If you’re looking to reduce the meat content, you can substitute the lamb with ground chicken, turkey, or even beef. For a vegetarian version, replace the lamb with additional vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes. You can also add extra greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition.
If you like your soup spicier, adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste. You can even add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to kick up the heat. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
For a thicker soup, try adding a potato or two. This will help create a creamy texture once the potato is blended with the soup. Alternatively, you can blend part of the soup to create a smooth base while leaving the rest chunky for texture.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This soup offers everything you could want in a comforting dish: rich flavors, a hearty texture, and nutritional value. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a meal full of flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this Lamb Shawarma Chickpea Soup is in its simplicity — you don’t need to be a seasoned chef to create something that tastes like it came from a professional kitchen.
It’s also a great way to experiment with spices and flavors you may not typically use in your everyday cooking. The shawarma spice mix brings a whole new dimension to your soup game, giving you a vibrant dish that’s guaranteed to stand out. Whether you’re making this soup for yourself or for a crowd, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress.
Conclusion
Lamb Shawarma Chickpea Soup is a must-try for anyone looking to add some Middle Eastern flair to their cooking. The combination of tender lamb, chickpeas, and aromatic spices creates a dish that’s as flavorful as it is nourishing. It’s perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings with loved ones.
With its rich flavor profile and versatility, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So grab your ingredients, heat up the pot, and let the warm spices of shawarma fill your kitchen as you enjoy this delicious, comforting soup.