LIBYAN SOUP

Libyan Soup image

Provided by chia2160

Time 1h20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1/2 lb boneless lamb shoulder or 1/2 lb dark chicken meat, finely chopped
4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
0.5 (3 ounce) can tomato paste
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste) or 1/2 teaspoon harissa (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon saffron thread
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup fine pearl barley or 1/2 cup couscous
1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained (canned are fine)
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro leaf
1 tablespoon finely chopped flat leaf parsley
1/2 tablespoon dried mint

Steps:

Heat oil in a four-quart casserole or saucepan. Add onion and lamb or chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne or harissa, saffron and salt and pepper. Stir, then add 8 cups water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes.
Add orzo and chickpeas and cook 15 minutes, until orzo is tender. Add cilantro and parsley. Taste and adjust salt and cayenne or harissa. Add dried mint. Cook for 5 minutes, then serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 279.9, Fat 13.6, SaturatedFat 4.3, Cholesterol 27.2, Sodium 206.4, Carbohydrate 28.7, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 5.1, Protein 11.7