Lablabi – Tunisian Chickpea Soup

Category: Traditional Tunisian dish

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 500g dried chickpeas + 1 teaspoon of baking soda for soaking
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of harissa
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Juice of one lemon
• Salt (about 1 tablespoon, adjust to taste) and pepper
• Stale bread (tabouna or baguette)
• Tuna, egg, capers, or olives (optional)

Preparation:

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight in water with baking soda. Drain and rinse.
2. Cook the chickpeas in fresh water until tender.
3. Add garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and harissa. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and olive oil just before serving.
5. In a bowl, place pieces of stale bread and pour the hot soup over it.
6. Add tuna, egg, capers, or olives according to your taste.