Lablabi

Lablabi
Lablabi with the egg option in a Tunis restaurant
TypeSoup
CourseMain course
Place of originTunisia
Region or stateNorth Africa
Associated cuisineTunisian cuisine
Serving temperatureHot
Main ingredientsChickpeas, garlic, cumin, stale bread
Ingredients generally usedOlive oil, harissa, eggs, capers, tuna, lemon juice, Baklouti pepper
VariationsHergma (with cow's trotters), Bizerte lablebi (sandwich style)
Food energy
(per serving)
353 kcal (1478 kJ)
Nutritional value
(per serving)
Protein16 g
Fatg
Carbohydrate54 g
Similar dishesLablabi (Iraqi)

Lablabi or lablebi (لبلابي) is a traditional Tunisian dish based on chickpeas in a thin garlic- and cumin-flavored broth, served over small pieces of stale crusty bread [1]. It is a staple comfort food in Tunisia and is also found in variations in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East.

The name derives from the Turkish word leblebi, meaning grilled chickpeas.[2]

Preparation

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  • Main Ingredients:
    • 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
    • 4 cups water or vegetable stock
    • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2–3 slices of fresh bread, cubed
    • 1 egg per serving (optional)

Instructions

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  1. Prepare the chickpeas: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Place them in a pot with water or stock. Add minced garlic and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1–1.5 hours, or until the chickpeas are tender.
  2. Prepare the bread base: Cut fresh bread into small cubes and place them in individual serving bowls.
  3. Assemble the dish: Pour the hot chickpea broth over the bread cubes. Allow the bread to soak and soften.
  4. Add toppings: Add a soft-cooked egg (if desired), olive oil, harissa, capers, tuna, and any other garnishes. Adjust seasoning with lemon juice, vinegar, or additional cumin.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with additional harissa on the side.

Variations

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  • Hergma: A traditional version made with cow's trotters, adding richness to the broth.
  • Bizerte Lablabi [3]: A sandwich variation popular in northern Tunisia, made by stuffing a baguette with the chickpea mixture and toppings.
  • Iraqi Lablabi [4]: A simple dish of chickpeas in broth.

Cultural Significance

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Lablabi was originally a winter breakfast dish, but it is now enjoyed at any time of the day, year-round. It is particularly popular among young people as a late-night meal, often consumed to mitigate the effects of alcohol after a night out.[5]

Nutritional Information

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Nutrient (Per 100g) Value
Calories 353
Protein 16g
Fat 9g
Carbohydrates 54g
Fiber 12g
Sugar 2g
Sodium 480mg

References

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  1. ^ "Taste Tunisia?". 1 October 2022.
  2. ^ "Taste Tunisia?". 23 January 2023.
  3. ^ "Lablabi Story Ou le sandwich Bizertin". 9 February 2024.
  4. ^ "Lablabi (Chickpea) Iraqi Snack". 10 August 2022.
  5. ^ "This Tunisian soup is not for the faint of the heart". www.vice.com. 28 March 2016. Retrieved 2022-12-05.

See also

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