This easy chickpea soup is perfect for quick meals! It’s hearty, filled with nutritious chickpeas, and tastes great. You can whip it up in no time, making it a go-to for busy days.
The best part? I love slurping it up with some crusty bread. It’s comforting and warms you right up, plus, who doesn’t love a one-pot meal? Super simple and satisfying! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient! If you prefer, you can boil dried chickpeas. Just soak them overnight and cook until tender. They’re packed with protein and fiber which help to make you feel full.
Vegetable broth: I often use vegetable broth for more flavor, but homemade or low-sodium broth is fantastic too. You can also use chicken broth if you don’t need it to be vegetarian.
Spices: Ground cumin adds warmth, while smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. If you want to simplify, just stick with cumin, or swap in Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: This recipe is flexible. Use more carrots or add in bell peppers or zucchini. Fresh spinach or kale can be tossed in at the end for extra greens!
How Can I Make My Soup Creamy Without Dairy?
If you want a creamier texture without adding cream, using an immersion blender is your best bet. It blends up some of the chickpeas to give the soup body while keeping other chickpeas whole for texture.
- Before blending, let the soup cool for a couple of minutes.
- Blend for just a few seconds until you reach your desired consistency. Always be careful with hot liquids!
- Alternatively, you can scoop out a cup of the soup, blend it in a regular blender, and then return it to the pot.
Easy Chickpea Soup Recipe for Quick Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy chickpea soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a cozy, delicious soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Your Veggies:
First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and fragrant.
2. Add Flavorful Spices:
Next, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika (if using) to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute more until the garlic is fragrant. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Pour in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and if you’re using it, the can of diced tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine the flavors nicely.
4. Bring to a Boil:
Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Blend for Creaminess:
If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This will create a lovely consistency while keeping some chickpeas whole for that nice bite!
6. Season to Taste:
Add salt, pepper, and the juice of 1 lemon to suit your taste. This will brighten up the flavors!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your warm soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread for a wholesome meal. Enjoy your quick, nourishing dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the soup. You’ll need about 1 cup of dried chickpeas to replace the 1 can of canned chickpeas.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it’s heated evenly.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just chop them up and add them during the simmering phase for them to cook through.
What Can I Use Instead of Vegetable Broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, water works fine too! You can also use chicken broth if you’re not looking to keep it vegetarian. For more flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or miso paste to the water.
