Leblebi (North African Chickpea Soup)
Source: Cal Peternell's Twelve Recipes Serves 4 generously In place of the crushed tomatoes, the original recipe calls for chopped or grated tomatoes or ½ cup of roasted tomato puree. I found the canned, crushed tomatoes to work just fine. Peternell suggests a few other serving ideas: croutons, a poached egg or hard-boiled egg, a sprinkling of ground cumin, oil and capers. I kept it simple with the harissa, which I think would be fine to buy if you have a source. Or you can make your own. Peternell offers two simple recipes: 1. Make a paste with 2 tablespoons paprika and 3 tablespoons hot water. Add 2 teaspoons crushed garlic, 3 tablespoons olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and, if you wish, ground cumin and cayenne. I made this one without the cumin and cayenne and with salt to taste. His simpler version sounds delicious as well: Mix together 3 tablespoons sambal oelek, 1 to 2 cloves crushed garlic, and 6 tablespoons olive oil.