Chickpea soup

In a pot unable to refrain from spreading delicious aromas, we begin by sautéing the finely chopped onion in hot oil. It is essential to wait a few moments for the onion to become translucent and for the flavors to open up. This is the base of any successful recipe, and patience is key in this process. Once the onion changes color, we add the garlic, finely chopped or crushed, and mix well. The garlic will release an irresistible fragrance, and now we can also add our favorite spices - whether we choose thyme, paprika, pepper, or bay leaf, each spice will add a burst of flavor to our dish. We let the mixture simmer on low heat for 1-2 minutes so that the flavors can integrate perfectly.

After achieving a splendid aromatic combination, it’s time to add the rest of the previously prepared ingredients. This may include chopped vegetables, meat, or even a mix of legumes, depending on everyone's preferences. If we want a heartier dish, the meat can be added now, allowing it to brown slightly to seal in the juices. If we opt for vegetables, we can add them directly, considering their different cooking times.

Once the ingredients are well integrated, we add water or broth, depending on the desired consistency. It's time to bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the dish simmer slowly. This is where the real magic happens - the flavors combine, and the food takes on a remarkable depth of taste. It is important to stir occasionally and taste, so we can adjust the spices to our liking.

We let the dish simmer until all the ingredients are perfectly cooked, and the juices from the meat or vegetables have blended with the flavors in the pot. At the end, we can add a little fresh greenery, such as parsley or dill, for an extra touch of freshness. We serve with pride and joy, accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or a serving of fragrant rice. This simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to bring smiles to the faces of our loved ones.

 Ingredients: 60 ml olive oil, 1 large onion chopped, 6-8 cloves of garlic pressed, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/8 teaspoon ground chili pepper, 1 heaping teaspoon paprika (sweet pepper), 1 can of diced tomatoes (400 ml), 3 cans of chickpeas (same as the tomatoes), drained and rinsed. 1 liter vegetable broth, salt - to taste and also depends on how much salt is in the canned tomatoes, chickpeas, and broth. Pepper, 140-150g (5oz) young spinach (salad).