Imagine a steaming bowl of hearty chickpea stew that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Tunisia with just one spoonful! Lablabi is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming dish that will make your taste buds dance with delight. This traditional Tunisian comfort food is perfect for chilly days, lazy weekends, or when you're craving something truly extraordinary that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Tunisian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon harissa paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of stale bread
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly, ensuring they are well-cleaned and free from any excess liquid.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the ground cumin and harissa paste to the pot, stirring quickly to combine with the garlic and release their aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained chickpeas. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let the stew simmer for approximately 30-35 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chickpeas to become tender.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- While the stew is simmering, lightly toast the stale bread slices until they are crisp and golden.
- Break the toasted bread into rough chunks directly into serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot chickpea stew over the bread chunks, ensuring each serving is generously covered.
- Drizzle with high-quality olive oil and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing the bread to absorb the flavorful broth.
Tips
- Use stale bread for the most authentic texture - it soaks up the broth beautifully and adds a rustic charm to the dish.
- Don't rush the simmering process. Letting the stew cook slowly allows the flavors to develop and the chickpeas to become perfectly tender.
- For an extra flavor boost, toast your cumin and harissa paste briefly before adding the broth to enhance their aromatic qualities.
- Choose a high-quality olive oil for drizzling - it makes a significant difference in the final taste.
- Feel free to adjust the harissa paste quantity based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Fresh parsley is key - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the stew.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor combination.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
