Tunisian Soup with Chard and Egg Noodles

A hearty North African-inspired soup combining Swiss chard, chickpeas, and fine egg noodles in a aromatic broth seasoned with cumin and harissa. This warming soup features a delicious blend of vegetables, legumes and pasta with a spicy kick.

6 servings
57 min

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 pound Swiss chard
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 2 large garlic cloves
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 quarts chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoons harissa
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 4 ounce fine egg noodles
  • 1 piece coffee/spice grinder
  • 1 serving lemon wedges

Cooking Instructions

  1. 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.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Cook chard stems, onion, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon each of cumin and salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in 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.

    44 min

  3. 3.

    Add chard leaves, chickpeas, and noodles with 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, until tender, about 7 minutes.

    7 min

  4. 4.

    Serve soup sprinkled with remaining cumin.

    1 min

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