Harira

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons butter
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 onions, chopped
1 15oz. can chickpeasClick to find more about chickpeas
1 15oz. can crushed tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon turmericClick to find more about turmeric
1 teaspoon gingerClick to find more about ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamonClick to find more about cinnamon
1 Tb. tomatoClick to find more about tomato paste
1 Tb. saltClick to find more about salt
1/3 cup rice
2 Tablespoons flour mixed to paste with 1/2 cup water
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 large lemon, cut in 6 wedges
1/2 lb. lean lamb cut into small pieces (optional)
Preparation:
Melt butter in large saucepan and gently saut celery and onions for 34 minutes. If using lamb, add next and brown it. Add chickpeasClick to find more about chickpeas and their liquid, tomatoes, turmericClick to find more about turmeric, gingerClick to find more about ginger, cinnamonClick to find more about cinnamon, tomatoClick to find more about tomato paste, saltClick to find more about salt, and 2 quarts of water. Bring to boil, simmer for 10 minutes. Add rice. Simmer for 15 minutes or until rice becomes tender. Add some of hot liquid to flour paste and stir till smooth. Pour this mixture into the soup and bring to a simmer again. Cook for another 15 minutes. Add parsley, cilantro, and lemon juice. Adjust saltClick to find more about salt seasoning and serve with lemon wedges.