Moroccan Chickpea and Spinach Soup

31 May, 2010

WW 1.5
serves 4


2 tsp olive oil
1 medium brown onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp Moroccan spice mix
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 x 135 tubs apricots
2 tsp grated lemon rind
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 litre vegetable stock
400g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 bunch english spinach, washed, trimmed, shredded


Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, for 3-5 minutes or until softened. Add garlic and spice mix and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until fragrant


Add tomato paste, undrained apricots, rind, lemon juice, stock and chickpeas. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.


Blend chickpea mixture with a stick blender to the consistency you prefer (blend briefly to retain some texture or blend until smooth for a creamy taste). Add spice and cook, stirring, over  medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve.


Serving suggestion:
Serve with a dollop of low-fat natural yoghurt.




Cooks notes:
Perfect for a snack, or a starter.
When I made this, I didn't use the lemon rind.
Instead of Moroccan spice mix, I found a tin of Moroccan spiced chickpeas! No need to drain!  Perfect and tasted fantastic!
I also don't own a stick blender (or any blender for that matter), so I used an electric beater. I don't know if it "blended" it, or made any difference at all.

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