Shurbo-i Nokhot (Chickpea Soup)
A hearty and flavorful chickpea soup, often prepared with lamb or beef, vegetables, and aromatic spices. It's a comforting and nourishing dish, especially popular during colder months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb or Beef(cut into cubes)
- 250 g Chickpeas(dried, soaked overnight or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 3 medium Potatoes(diced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Coriander seeds(ground)
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds(ground)
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or Ghee
- 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro or Parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 2 liters Water or Broth
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using dried chickpeas, ensure they have been soaked overnight and are tender. If using canned, drain and rinse them.
💡 Tip: Soaking dried chickpeas overnight significantly reduces cooking time. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil or ghee over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb or beef cubes on all sides.
- 3
Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic, ground coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down.
- 6
Pour in the water or broth, add the soaked or canned chickpeas, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
- 7
Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- 8
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust spices as needed.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning at the end for the best flavor. - 9
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich soup.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- ✓You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or celery.
- ✓A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat.
🔄 Variations
- Add a bay leaf during simmering for extra aroma.
- Serve with fresh Tajik bread (non).