Lebanese 7 Spice Soup

By Dani Potts | February 17, 2025

INGREDIENTS (Makes 4 Servings)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp cloves
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups chopped chard (or any leafy green)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.   Sauté onion until soft.
  2. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and cloves; cook until fragrant.
  4. Add chickpeas and vegetable broth. Bring to a  boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in chard and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add lemon juice and salt to taste.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.

BENEFITS

This spice-packed soup offers rich flavor and health benefits. Herbs and spices like allspice, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, and ginger provide antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation. Many also have antimicrobial properties, supporting immunity and gut health. Regular consumption may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.