With your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare this delightful Moroccan Chickpea Soup. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a soup that will warm your heart and delight your senses.

1. Prepare the Chickpeas: If you’re using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them under cold water. If using dried chickpeas, ensure they have been soaked overnight and cooked until tender.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Incorporate Spices and Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and ginger to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices and cook for 2 minutes to release their flavors.
5. Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes: Add the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (including juice). Stir to combine all ingredients.
6. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Add Chickpeas and Spinach: Stir in the prepared chickpeas and spinach leaves. Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the chickpeas are heated through.
8. Season and Finish: Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.
9. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.