TUNISIAN EGG NOODLE SOUP WITH CHARD

Tunisian Egg Noodle Soup with Chard image

Provided by Vickie Parks

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tsp cumin seed
1 lb swiss chard, stems and leaves separated and coarsely chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 Tbsp olive oild
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 qt rich chicken stock
1 Tbsp harissa (or other hot sauce), or to taste
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
19 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 c fine egg noodles (4 ounces)
1 large lemon, cut into 6 wedges

Steps:

1. Toast cumin in a dry small heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat, stirring, until deeply fragrant and dark brown (be careful not to burn). Cool, then grind to a powder in grinder.
2. Cook chard stems, onion, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper in the oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 12 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add stock, harissa, and lemon juice and simmer, covered, 30 minutes.
3. Add chard leaves, chickpeas, and noodles with 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, until tender, about 7 minutes.
4. Serve soup sprinkled with remaining cumin, and add lemon wedge garnish.
5. NOTE / TO MAKE IN ADVANCE: The soup can be made, without the egg noodles, up to 3 days in advance. To serve, bring the soup to a simmer, add the egg noodles and cook until noodles are soft (about 10 to 15 minutes), and serve.