Burnt aubergine & mograbieh soup

Mograbieh, and to a lesser degree maftoul, are available from some Middle Eastern grocers and online (SEE MORE ON MOGRABIEH AND MAFTOUL). Giant or Israeli couscous are widely available and so is fregola, the Sardinian equivalent. Whichever you choose for making this wonderfully hefty soup, check the package for cooking times, making sure the little pasta balls are just al dente. Follow the soup with something light, like the