Moroccan Harira

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 stalk celery, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch turmeric
• 1# chicken, lamb or beef, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 8 large lemon wedges (optional)
• 16 dried dates (optional)