HARIRA ( Chickpeas Soup)

HARIRA
1 large onion, grated
1 stick of cinnamon
1/2 cup lentils
3/4 cup fresh tomato puree(can tomatoe puree work well too)
chopped flat leaf parsley, about 1/2 cup
chopped fresh coriander, about 1/2 cup
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
pinch of saffron (optional)
1 cup chickpeas soak in water overnight, or 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained
juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:
1. In a pot add ( p.s. if adding meat put a little oil and saute meat cubes for a few minutes then add the following ingredients) lentils, tomato puree, parsley, coriander, celery, onion, cinnamon, ginger and saffron. If you are using soaked chickpeas, add them now. Add 8-10 cups of water, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chickpeas are tender. (If you are using canned chickpeas, add them after the 30 minutes)

2. Reduce the heat so that the soup bubbles gently and allow it to cook partly covered for an additional 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3.serveand garnish with lemon

4. P.S. meat of your choice can be added to this soup as well