Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will revolutionize your soup game forever! This Moroccan Carrot Soup with Spiced Chickpea Croutons is not just a meal - it's an exotic adventure packed into a single bowl. Imagine the warm, aromatic spices of Morocco dancing with sweet, tender carrots, topped with irresistibly crunchy chickpea croutons that will make your taste buds sing with joy. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a soul-warming meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- carrots, peeled and chopped
- onion, chopped
- garlic, minced
- vegetable broth
- cumin
- coriander
- chickpeas, cooked
- paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Incorporate chopped carrots into the pot and stir to combine with onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle ground cumin and coriander over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly and release their aromatic oils.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring carrots are mostly covered, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until carrots are completely tender when pierced with a fork.
- While soup is simmering, prepare spiced chickpea croutons by draining and patting cooked chickpeas dry.
- Toss chickpeas with paprika, salt, and pepper, then roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Use an immersion blender or standard blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Season soup with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy spiced chickpea croutons before serving.
Tips
- Choose fresh, vibrant carrots for the most intense flavor - the brighter the orange, the better the taste!
- Toast your spices briefly before adding liquids to maximize their aromatic potential and depth of flavor.
- For ultra-smooth soup, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- The key to crispy chickpea croutons is ensuring they're completely dry before roasting - use a clean kitchen towel to pat them thoroughly.
- Don't rush the simmering process - letting the carrots cook slowly develops a richer, more complex flavor profile.
- Make extra spiced chickpea croutons - they're addictively delicious and great as a snack or salad topper!
- For a protein boost, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of coconut cream before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
