Lablabi Recipe – Tunisia's Hearty Chickpea Soup

Name: Lablabi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3-5 servings
Cuisine: Tunisia
Ingredients: black pepper; canned chickpeas; capers for garnish; caraway seeds; cloves garlic; coriander; cumin; g dried chickpeas; harissa; juice of lemon; liters water; olive oil; olive oil for drizzling; onion; paprika; parsley for garnish; rinsed; salt; slices of stale bread torn into pieces; vegetable broth

Lablabi is a comforting Tunisian chickpea soup that warms the heart and soul. Often enjoyed as a street food staple, it is a popular dish during the cooler months and reflects Tunisia's rich culinary heritage. Typically served with crusty bread, Lablabi is a nutritious and flavorful meal that brings people together.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~320 kcal / serving

Ingredients

2 cups (400 g) dried chickpeas (or 4 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
6 cups (1.5 liters) water or vegetable broth
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground caraway seeds
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
4 slices of stale bread, torn into pieces
Harissa (to taste)
Olive oil (for drizzling)
Capers (optional, for garnish)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chickpeas

If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.

In a large pot, add the soaked chickpeas and cover them with fresh water or vegetable broth.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the chickpeas are tender. If using canned chickpeas, you can skip this step and proceed to the next.

Cook the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the finely chopped onion and saut√© until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Combine and Season

Add the cooked chickpeas (and their cooking liquid if using dried chickpeas) to the skillet with the onions and garlic.

Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Add Lemon Juice

Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Divide the torn pieces of stale bread among serving bowls.

Ladle the hot chickpea soup over the bread.

Top with a dollop of harissa, a drizzle of olive oil, and garnish with capers and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lablabi?

Lablabi is a traditional Tunisian soup made primarily from chickpeas, flavored with garlic and spices. It is often served with bread and garnished with harissa and olive oil.

Where does Lablabi come from?

Lablabi originates from Tunisia, where it is a beloved dish, particularly popular in the colder months.

What are the main ingredients in Lablabi?

The key ingredients include dried or canned chickpeas, water or vegetable broth, onion, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika.

How long does Lablabi take to make?

The total time to make Lablabi is approximately 100-120 minutes.

What do you serve with Lablabi?

Lablabi is typically served with crusty bread, a drizzle of olive oil, and a side of harissa for added spice.

Lablabi