Chickpea Soup

From the Vitality Food Feature ‘FOODS FOR LOVE‘.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups dry chickpeas, washed, then soaked overnight, mixed with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, then drained
• 8 cups water
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 hot pepper, finely chopped
• 4 Tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ground caraway seeds
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• croutons

1) Place chick peas and water in a saucepan, then bring to boil. Cover, then cook over medium heat for 1-1/2 hours or until chickpeas are soft and tender. Add remaining ingredients, except croutons, then cook over medium heat for further 10 minutes. Serve in individual bowls with each person adding croutons to taste.