Leek and Chickpea Soup

Method

• step 1

  Heat olive oil in large wok until rippling. Add leeks and fry for 5 minutes, stirring regularly until soft.

• step 2

  Add 1 litre (4 cups) of water and vegetable stock cubes, and bring to the boil, then turn down to a simmer.

• step 3

  In the meantime, prepare flour base: pour 1/2 cup of water into a bowl, and sift the gram flour into the water (the sifting is important otherwise you will end up with small floury lumps in your soup). Whisk well until blended and thick.

• step 4

  Remove leek soup from heat and add gram flour mixture, stirring constantly until smooth. Add chick peas, and return to heat. Bring back to the boil slowly, and then simmer for 5 minutes.

• step 5

  Add salt and pepper to taste.