SPICY MOROCCAN CHICKEN AND LENTIL SOUP

SPICY MOROCCAN CHICKEN AND LENTIL SOUP image

Yield 8 Bowls

Number Of Ingredients 24

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HARISSA
5 Tbl. Olive oil
1 1/2 Tbl. Paprika
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. ground coriander
3/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp. salt
SOUP
11/2 # bone in split chicken breasts
1 Tbl. olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
1 tsp. fresh ginger
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cayenne
Pinch of saffron
1 Tbl. flour
10 Cups chicken broth
3/4 Cup green or brown lentils
4 tomatoes, cored and chopped
1 can chickpeas
1/3 Cup chopped cilantro

Steps:

1. Harissa: combine all the ingredients in a small bowl; microwave on high until bubbling and fragrant, 15-30 seconds. Set aside to cool. 2. For the Soup: pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until just smoking. Brown the chicken lightly on both sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. 3. Add the onion to the pot and cook until soft, 5-7 minutes. Stir in the spices and a 1/4 tsp. black pepper and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add broth, scraping up browned bits and smooth out any lumps, and bring to a boil. 4. Add the lentils and the browned chicken; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to a simmer, and cook until chicken registers 160 degrees on an instant read thermometer, 15-20 minutes. 5. Remove the chicken, let cool slightly, then shred into bite size pieces, discarding skin and bone. Meanwhile, continue to simmer the lentils, covered for 15 minutes. 6. Stir in tomatoes and chickpeas, and continue to simmer until lentils are tender, 10-15 minutes more. Add the chicken and heat through. Stir in cilantro and a 1/4 cup Harissa and season with salt and pepper. Serve with remaining Harissa on the side.