Lunch: Chickpea and Lentil Soup Recipe | MyRecipes

Harira is our favorite Moroccan soup, but we rarely have the hours it takes to simmer the lamb that's traditionally a part of it. With some trepidation, we developed this vegetarian version--and it knocked our socks off. Top each serving with a squeeze of

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Cinnamon

Health and fertility benefits of Chickpea and Lentil Soup Recipe | MyRecipes

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060).

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1 cup lentils
6 1/2 cups water
1 3/4 cups canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree (one 15-ounce can)
1 2/3 cups drained and rinsed canned chickpeas (one 15-ounce can)
1/3 cup chopped cilantro or parsley

Instructions

In a large pot, melt the butter over moderately low heat. Add the onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 10 minutes. Stir in the ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lentils.
Add the water and tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Add the chickpeas and simmer 5 minutes longer. Stir in the cilantro or parsley.
Variations: · Add one-and-a-half cups of diced leftover cooked lamb with the chickpeas.: · Add two cups of shredded cabbage and an additional half cup of water along with the tomatoes.: · Use saffron instead of the turmeric.
Wine Recommendation: What a combination this dish and gewürztraminer will make. The wine's full body will stand up to the soup, and the complex interplay of spices between the wine and soup will keep you fascinated. The wine can be from Washington or Alsace, but it should be dry.

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