Tunisian Vegetable Stew with Saffron and Noodles

__NOTOC__
== Description ==
Like minestrone, there are many versions of this Tunisian soup also known as Chorba b'Hodra. It is also made with meat, and if you wish to do that, brown ½ to 1 pound cubed beef or lamb with the onions and spices. This soup will just get better as it sits. Serves 6
== Ingredients ==
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 pinches of saffron threads, crumbled
* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
* 1 tablespoon New Mexico chili powder or hot Hungarian paprika
* 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* 2 teaspoons ground caraway seed
* 8 cups water
* one 1-pound butternut squash, peeled, cut into large cubes
* 3 carrots, peeled, finely chopped
* 1 turnip, peeled, cut into ½-inch pieces
* 1 potato, peeled, cut into ½-inch pieces
* 2 celery stalks with leaves, chopped
* 1½ cups canned crushed tomatoes
* 1 x 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained, rinsed
* ⅓ cup orzo, broken spaghetti, or Israeli couscous
* Extra-virgin olive oil
== Directions ==
# Heat oil in heavy wide soup pot or Dutch Oven over medium heat.
# Add onion, garlic and saffron threads. Cover and cook until onion is translucent, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
# Add 2 tablespoons cilantro, 2 tablespoons parsley and next 4 ingredients. Cover and cook 5 minutes.
# Add water and next 6 ingredients. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, about 25 minutes.
# Add chickpeas.
# Meanwhile, cook pasta in large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain.
# Add pasta to soup.
# Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.
# Ladle soup into bowls.
# Sprinkle with remaining parsley and cilantro.
# Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over each and serve.
== Tip ==
DO-AHEAD TIP: Soup can be made 1 day ahead. Cool. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before continuing.
Category:Tunisian Soups
Category:Stew Recipes
Category:Potato Recipes
Category:Butternut squash Recipes
Category:Tomato Recipes
Category:Carrot Recipes
Category:Chickpea Recipes
Category:Couscous Recipes
Category:Saffron Recipes
Category:Turnip Recipes
Category:Pasta Recipes
Category:Orzo Recipes
Category:Lamb Recipes
Category:Beef Recipes
Category:Recipes that need photos