Chickpea and Lentil Soup

Active Time:  15 Minutes; Total Time:  45 Minutes     Serves 4
   
INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
• 1 cup lentils
• 6 1/2 cups water
• 1 3/4 cups canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree (one 15-ounce can)
• 1 2/3 cups drained and rinsed canned chickpeas (one 15-ounce can)
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro or parsley

DIRECTIONS

In a large pot, melt the butter over moderately low heat. Add the onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 10 minutes. Stir in the ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lentils.

Add the water and tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Add the chickpeas and simmer 5 minutes longer. Stir in the cilantro or parsley.

Variations: *Add one-and-a-half cups of diced leftover cooked lamb with the chickpeas. *Add two cups of shredded cabbage and an additional half cup of water along with the tomatoes.
*Use saffron instead of the turmeric.            

Source: Quick from Scratch - Soups and Salads (from Cooking.com)