A Confession of Culinary Love

I need to make a confession, dear reader. I think I have finally done it – I’ve made not only the heartiest but also the tastiest soup I’ve ever created! I know that’s a big and bold claim, but I honestly believe I have nailed it with this Spicy Chickpea and Lentil Soup. As you know, I absolutely love comfort food, and this delicious, warming bowl of goodness combines rich and wholesome lentils with one of my favorite ingredients – chickpeas. These humble ingredients are then coated in a lightly spiced tomato sauce, turning the dish into one of my all-time favorite recipes.

Spice Up Your Life (and Soup)

This dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into the perfect combination of different flavors and textures. The base is created by using a combination of household spices – cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili – to create a real depth of smoky flavor that the whole family can enjoy. Cumin, in particular, is one of my secret ingredients in a lot of dishes, including chilis, curries, and soups. It adds an almost bitter, smoky flavor that other spices just can’t replicate, and it completely transforms a dish, layering on the flavor.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “But wait, that’s a lot of spices!” Don’t be scared, my friends. These spices perfectly balance each other out, so you can easily adjust the heat and spice to your own preference. Personally, I love a bit of a kick, having traveled around the Middle East for many years. So I always add an extra pinch or two of the spicier ingredients. But if you’re cooking for little ones, you can tone it down and skip a few of the more intense spices.

A Meal in a Bowl

This Spicy Chickpea and Lentil Soup is not just any ordinary soup – it’s a complete meal in one mouth-watering bowl. By including a variety of vegetables and pulses, this dish can be enjoyed as a delicious lunch or a simple winter warmer for dinner. I normally serve it with some quick and simple flatbreads (I have a quick step-by-step tutorial on how to make the best effortless flatbreads) as the perfect vehicle for soaking up and scooping up all that gorgeously rich liquid. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of tahini on top adds a creamy touch that melts into the warm soup, enhancing all those rich and warming flavors.

A Soup for All Seasons

The best part about this recipe is that it’s super simple to create, and because it’s cooked all in one pan, the washing up is a breeze! I always make extra portions when creating this recipe because the flavors are even better the next day once they have developed and infused all the wonderful components. Plus, it freezes and keeps really well, making it the perfect meal-prepping dish. Just portion it out, freeze in jars or individual portions, and thaw overnight in the fridge – it can be kept in the freezer for a few weeks.

And let’s not forget the versatility of this dish. You can swap out the chickpeas for butter beans or another white bean variant, use mung beans instead of red lentils for an earthier flavor, or add a swirl of coconut yogurt or a drizzle of tahini dressing for extra creaminess and luxury. The possibilities are endless!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food bliss with this Spicy Chickpea and Lentil Soup. Trust me, you’ll be making it again and again. Bon appétit!