Tunisian Chickpea Soup

Tunisian Chickpea Soup

1 1/2 c chickpeas,Dried- washed and picked over bay leaves
1 T cumin seeds
2 T olive oil
1 c onions,coarsely chopped
4 cloves garlic
1 t harissa
1 t salt
2 T white wine vinegar
3 1/2 c medium-stale pita,torn (or other flatbread)
1/4 c caperberries-soaked rinsed and,Drained
--reserve a couple whole for garnish
2 t parsley,finely chopped
extra virgin olive oil,for drizzling
8 lemon wedges
Soak the chickpeas overnight in about 6 cups of water. Drain and
transfer to an ovenproof casserole, along with bay leaves and enough water
to cover by 1 1/2 inches.
Bake uncovered at 325F until tender, about 2 hours (most should stay
intact). During baking, add more water if needed; set aside.
While the chickpeas are cooking, toast the cumin seeds in a heavy skillet
over medium heat until fragrant but not brown, about 5 minutes. (Do not
burn.) Grind to a fine powder with an electric spice grinder or a mortar and
pestle; set aside.
In a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, warm the oil until fragrant.
Saute the onion, stirring, until tender but not browned, 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the harissa and ground cumin; cook briefly, just until fragrant.
Add the cooked chickpeas, their liquid, and the salt. Simmer until the
onions have disintegrated, about 1 hour. Remove the pan from the heat;
season with the vinegar to taste. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste
and adjust the seasonings.
Divide the pita among 4 heated soup bowls. Spoon the chickpeas over the
bread with equal portions of the liquid. Sprinkle with the caperberries
and parsley, and add more harissa to taste.
Just before serving, drizzle a bit of the olive oil over each bowl.
Serve lemon wedges on the side for extra tartness. Garnish with reserved
whole caperberries.