Vegan Harrissa Bean Soup

by Nia Garcia
(NYC)

I love going to the New York location of Atlas Cafe and enjoying their vegan version of Harissa or Harira soup. It's basically a bean soup made with harrissa (a chili paste used in Mediterranean cuisine).

I make my own bean soup with chili paste at home. Although not authentic or as delicious as the one at Atlas Cafe this satisfies me until the next time I go back.

Bean Soup flovored with Chili Paste

Ingredients:

*Beans (I like small red beans, lentils and mung beans with a few navy or canary beans thrown in)

*Enough Water to cook the beans

*Vegetables (I like greens, potatoes, carrots, a small amount of celery and onions)

*Spices to taste (chili paste, smoked paprika, garlic, tarragon, sage, black pepper, sea salt and a touch of cumin)

*Small can of tomato paste

*Large can of crushed tomatoes

*A couple Tablespoons of oil (optional)

*Extra Water if needed

Directions:

Start by cooking beans according to the package or your preferred method. Add the other ingredients and cook over medium or low heat until it is to your liking.