Chickpea soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a hearty and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare. Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not only comforting but also promotes wellness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, chickpea soup is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Dive into this recipe and enjoy the rich, savory notes of spices combined with tender chickpeas.
Ingredients
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) of chickpea soup contains approximately 200 calories, 10g protein, 6g fiber, 30g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. This is an excellent source of protein and fiber for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the diced carrots and celery, cooking until softened.
5. Sprinkle in the ground cumin and paprika, stirring well.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
7. Add the rinsed chickpeas and season with salt and pepper.
8. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
9. Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamy texture.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version. Additionally, if you like a spicier flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Serving and Pairings
Chickpea soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a side of roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a grain like quinoa or rice.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chickpea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not rinsing chickpeas can lead to a gritty texture.
- Overcooking vegetables can make them mushy.
- Skipping the sauté step may result in less flavor.
- Not seasoning properly can leave the soup bland.
- Using old spices can dull the flavor profile.
Helpful Tips
- For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the soup.
- Adjust spices to taste for a personalized touch.
- Garnish with yogurt for added richness.
- Make it a meal by adding cooked grains or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to your soup.
Is chickpea soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Chickpea soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make chickpea soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
How can I make this soup spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.
What can I add for extra nutrition?
Consider adding leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Chickpea soup is a nourishing and satisfying dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Enjoy this delightful soup as a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Chickpea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the diced carrots and celery, cooking until softened.
- Sprinkle in the ground cumin and paprika, stirring well.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the rinsed chickpeas and season with salt and pepper.
- Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamy texture.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
