Chickpea Soup with Spiced Pita Chips

Chef Tom Cooks
http://www.cheftomcooks.com/

1/4 cup olive oil
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
salt & black pepper, to taste
3 cups vegetable stock
2 15-oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons ground roasted coriander
2 pitas
juice of 1/2 lemon
fresh cilantro, for topping

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.  Add the celery, carrots, onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a dash of black pepper.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.  About 7 minutes.  Half way through the cooking time, add in the minced garlic.

Add 3 cups water, 3 cups vegetable stock, chickpeas, tomatoes, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander and 1/2 teaspoon salt.  Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally and slightly mashing the chickpeas with the back of a spoon, until the soup thickens slightly, about 20 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Meanwhile, slick the pitas into thin wedges.  Toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon coriander and 1/2 teaspoon salt.  Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Bake until crisp, about 8-10 minutes.

Stir the lemon juice into the soup just before serving.  Top with cilantro and the toasted pita chips.

Serves 4

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