Leblebi Soup

Authentic Tunisian Leblebi Soup — a delicious vegetarian dish with 10 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

280

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Leblebi Soup

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 tbs Olive Oil
  • 1 medium finely diced Onion
  • 250 g Chickpeas
  • 1 ½ L Vegetable Stock
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 5 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Harissa Spice
  • Pinch Pepper
  • 1 Lime

Instructions

5 steps · ~43 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the onion and cook until translucent.

    3 minutes
    A pinch of salt helps onions soften faster and release their natural sweetness.
  2. Step 2

    Drain the soaked chickpeas and add them to the pot together with the vegetable stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes.

    15 minutes
    Use a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.
  3. Step 3

    In the meantime toast the cumin in a small ungreased frying pan, then grind them in a mortar. Add the garlic and salt and pound to a fine paste.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  4. Step 4

    Add the paste and the harissa to the soup and simmer until the chickpeas are tender, about 30 minutes.

    15 minutes
    Keep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
  5. Step 5

    Season to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice and serve hot.

    2 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Tunisian recipe for Leblebi Soup is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Tunisian cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 4 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened.

What to Serve With

Complete your tunisian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Leblebi Soup is a beloved dish from Tunisian cuisine, originating in Tunisia. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Tunisian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main ingredient in Leblebi Soup is chickpeas, which provide a hearty base for this traditional Tunisian dish.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories280kcal
Total Fat13g
Sodium302mg
Total Carbohydrates31g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein34g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineTunisian
CategorySoups
CountryTunisia