Versions of this lentil soup with tomatoes and chickpeas are served all over Morocco during the festival of Ramadan and to celebrate special occasions throughout the year. This is our interpretation. We serve it with whole grain flatbread to scoop up the juices, or ladle the soup over brown rice.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4 to 6

1 onion, chopped
4 ribs celery, chopped
6 cups vegetable broth
1½ cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup dried red lentils
1 can (15 ounce) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup orzo
½ cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Pour ½ cup of water into a large soup pot along with the onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, bay leaf, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, coriander, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, then cover and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.

Stir in the orzo, cilantro, and lemon juice. Cook 10 minutes longer, until the orzo is al dente. Serve hot