Curried Beet Soup with Tandoori Chickpeas

Steps

1. If preparing chickpeas, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C), and add rinsed and dried chickpeas to a small mixing bowl. Top with coconut oil, salt, tandoori masala, and coconut sugar. Toss to combine, and sample a chickpea. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

2. Spread onto a bare baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until deep golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

3. In the meantime, heat a large pot over medium heat.

4. Once hot, add oil, shallots, garlic and ginger. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Add beets, salt and pepper, curry paste, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, cayenne, cardamom and coriander (optional). Stir to coat, then cover and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Add coconut milk, vegetable broth, and coconut sugar.

7. Bring to a low boil over medium heat and then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until beets are fork tender.

8. Use an immersion blender, or transfer soup to a blender, and purée on high until creamy and smooth. If using a blender, return soup back to pot.

9. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more dry spices, salt, or sweetener to taste. I didn't make any adjustments.

10. Serve with an extra drizzle of coconut milk (optional), a generous amount of tandoori chickpea, and a sprinkle of cilantro (optional).

11. Store leftover soup covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Store chickpeas separately in a well-sealed container at room temperature up to 2 days.