Moroccan Chick Pea Soup

Ingredients

10 ml safflower oil
2 carrots
2 garlic
1 onion
350 gr chick peas
700 ml vegetable stock
80 gr tahini
10 ml lemon juice
1 gr parsley
2 gr cumin
1 gr black pepper
1 gr thyme leaves
1/4 powdered tumeric
1 gr cayenne pepper

Instructions

GARNISH: toasted sesame seeds, minced scallions, finely chopped tomatoes, or Herbed Garlic Croutons, optional In 4-5 qt saucepan, heat oil. Add carrots, garlic, and onion; cook until tender. Set aside. Menawhile, in food processor, puree chick peas, 1 cup of vegetable stock, tahini, and lemon juice. Stir pureed mixture into saucepan. Add remaining ingredients including vegetable stock. Cover and cook for 5 minutes to heat through. Top with garnish if desired. VARIATIONS: substitute olive oil for safflower oil ~ add 1 med sweet red pepper, finely chopped; saute with other veggies.