Egyptian Chickpea and Tomato Soup

An easy and filling dish. The overall aroma is sweet from the allspice but each bite is a perfect blend of flavors. The original recipe was found on recipes4us.co.uk but I've altered it to suit my tastes. I have also made this soup using leftover, unseasoned rice and sometimes subbing chicken broth for some or all of the water. Thanks to Kumsie, I've deleted an unnecessary step from the directions to help clarify the use of the coriander (cilantro). :)

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  small onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 -4  tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped & divided in half (cilantro)
• 14  ounces chickpeas, rinsed and drained (garbanzo beans)
• 12  ounces tomato juice
• 16  ounces water
• 2  ounces long grain rice
•  salt and pepper, to taste
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄8 teaspoon ground allspice

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add garlic and onions, then sauté gently until golden brown.
2. Add 2 Tablespoons of the coriander (cilantro) and the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, while stirring.
3. Reduce heat to medium/low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender. Garnish each bowl with the reserved cilantro.