Friday, February 10, 2012

Mediterranean Chick Pea, Tomato and Pasta Soup

How's that title for a mouth full? Love that this recipe calls for all pantry items and when bloggy buddy Carmie posted it I knew I had to try it. The recipe said it was ok to sub beans and judging by the number of cans I had on the shelf, I must like black beans... a lot!
This is different for me because it calls for cinnamon. Now, cinnamon is a beautiful thing in apple pie, 
not so much in other dishes for me. So I decided to cut back to 1/16th of a tsp. I could still smell and taste it and it added a unique, very nice flavor to the soup. 
Since Carmie mentioned it turns into more of a stew as written I cut the pasta back to 1/4 C, she simply adds an extra can of chicken broth to hers, it's your call...
One last thing, I think it needs a little salt and chose to add that in the form of some chicken base.
I took a bowl for lunch and the girl I work with said it smelled "wonderful":@)

Mediterranean Chick Pea Tomato and Pasta Soup
2 tsp olive oil
1 C onion, diced
1 1/2 C water
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 (15.75oz) can chicken broth
1 (15oz) can chick peas (or beans) drained and rinsed
1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 C ditalini, very short tube shaped pasta
2 Tblsp fresh parsley, chopped-I used a sprinkle of some I dried over the summer.
  1. Heat oil in large sauce pan and add onion. Saute for about 3 minutes or until tender.
  2. Add everything else except pasta and parsley. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
  3. Add pasta and cook for 9 minutes. Stir in parsley and enjoy.
Have a happy day:@)

19 comments:

  1. It looks warm and tastey. Since I'm a big old pig, I think I would make it stewish. I feel the same way about nutmeg that you did about the cinnamon. Periodically, I see it in a recipe and think "huh? In that?".

    ReplyDelete
  2. I feel the same about black beans and include them anywhere I can. Good looking soup:)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice hearty soup for this cold snap we are having!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Looks like a very delicious and filling soup for this cold winter's day we are having here, I would love a big bowl of it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have masses of tins of chick peas in my cupboard, now I know a different recipe to help use them up. Thanks Diane

    ReplyDelete
  6. Somehow I ended up with a lot of black beans in my pantry too!

    It looks yummy! I'm going to try this soup today since I have everything on hand. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. i love soups
    this looks yummy
    it reminds me of
    Italian Wedding Soup :D
    ~victoria~

    ReplyDelete
  8. Right up my alley. As for the cinnamon it is a great spice for savory dishes.
    Amazing sprinkled on a roasting chicken along with the the paprika, pepper, salt etc. that one would normally use.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Well it sure does look pretty, love soups.

    ReplyDelete
  10. My mouth is watering and I can almost smell it now! I have been sneaking cinnamon into several things lately for the health benefits and have been pleasanly surprised at the results...Have a great weekend! xo

    ReplyDelete
  11. I don't like chick peas but when I looked and saw you used black beans...yum I like it! Looks good and easy. Thanks for always giving us such great recipes! hugs, Linda

    ReplyDelete
  12. This sounds great Lynn! We are not used to those "exotic" spices but it is a nice change of pace!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love adding a little cumin and cinnamon {or even nutmeg} to a stew...it changes the taste up drastically and you have a whole new recipe! I am going to try making this this weekend! Thanks so much...love Carmie!

    XO,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  14. Mmmm another yummy soup recipe that you shared! Thank you!! It sounds wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  15. So glad you tried the recipe. It really is such a fragrant soup.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Lynn, this looks like a stick to the ribs kind of meal which I enjoy. I think the cinnamon and nutmeg controversy which you started ( heehee ) is merely a matter of individual taste. Usually those spices are used in extremely small quantities and are meant only to give a hint of their flavor. I find that leaving one or the other out of a recipe doesn't ruin it but adding that small amount adds mystery to the dish. Cinnamon is supposed to be good for your health so it won't hurt to add a little just in case.......
    Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm shy of the cinnamon as well. But it looks so yummy and healthy!

    ReplyDelete
  18. My husband refuses to eat chick peas so I'm glad you noted you can substitute beans. I like the fact that this has no meat. We need to eat some meatless meals. Nothing like hot soup on these gray, cold days!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I don't even know what chick peas are. Am I sheltered or what?? :))
    Sounds good.
    xo bj

    P.s. I am playing catch up with your posts. I have been doing a lot of grandmother things and not on my computer as much. :))

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by-enjoy your day!