Chickpea Soup is a flavorful and hearty soup made with tender chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and aromatic spices. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a meal on its own or as a comforting appetizer. Here’s a recipe for Chickpea Soup:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Ready in: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, for serving
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Add the soaked and drained chickpeas to the pot and stir to combine with the spices and vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring that the chickpeas are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chickpeas are tender.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend a portion of the soup to create a creamy texture. You can blend about half of the soup or adjust according to your preference. If using a regular blender, blend in batches and be cautious with hot liquids.
- Return the blended soup to the pot and stir well to combine.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the Chickpea Soup into bowls. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each serving and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Chickpea Soup is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s a comforting and nourishing soup that is packed with protein and fiber. Serve it with crusty bread or as a standalone meal. The combination of spices adds depth and flavor to the soup, making it a satisfying and delicious choice. Enjoy the warmth and goodness of this hearty Chickpea Soup!