Description
A hearty and flavorful Chickpea Lamb Shawarma Soup that combines aromatic Middle Eastern spices with tender ground lamb, chickpeas, and fresh spinach. This comforting soup is perfect for a wholesome meal, topped with creamy yoghurt and fresh coriander for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cardamom powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500 g / 1 lb ground lamb (or beef)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about the size of chickpeas)
- 600 g / 21 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed (about 1.5 standard cans)
- 400 g / 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups / 750 ml chicken broth or stock
- 1 bunch spinach, roughly chopped (about 4 packed cups)
To Serve
- Plain yoghurt or sour cream
- Chopped fresh coriander / cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Cook for about 1 minute until the onion starts to turn translucent, releasing fragrant aromas.
- Cook the lamb: Add the ground lamb to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat changes color from pink to light brown, ensuring it is mostly cooked through before adding spices.
- Add spices and tomato paste: Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, paprika, cardamom, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Stir and cook the spices with the meat for 1 minute to release their flavors. Then add tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add vegetables and liquids: Stir in the chopped carrots, drained chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the soup: Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to maintain a gentle yet energetic simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until the carrots are tender but still have a slight bite. For softer carrots, simmer longer as desired.
- Add spinach and adjust seasoning: Stir in the roughly chopped spinach until it wilts completely. Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to your preference. Add water if you desire a thinner consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a dollop of plain yoghurt or sour cream on top and sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander. Enjoy warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- The cardamom powder is optional but contributes a unique warmth to the spice mix.
- You can substitute ground beef for lamb if preferred.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your taste.
- Spinach wilts down significantly, so do not skimp on quantity for freshness and color.
- Serve with warm bread for a complete meal experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: chickpea lamb soup, shawarma soup, Middle Eastern soup, ground lamb recipe, chickpea stew, spicy lamb soup, healthy lamb recipes
