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If you love comforting dishes that come together quickly yet pack a flavorful punch, then this Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe is about to become one of your all-time favorites. It’s a hearty, soul-warming soup that balances the creamy richness of chickpeas with the aromatic embrace of garlic, herbs, and a touch of spicy chili flakes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a nourishing lunch, this recipe offers simplicity without compromising on delicious complexity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe is a breeze because it relies on a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an essential role – from adding depth and warmth with spices to providing hearty texture that makes this soup incredibly satisfying.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for a fruity, robust flavor and a silky finish.
- Garlic cloves: Minced or crushed for their unforgettable pungent aroma that defines this soup.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness that enhances the chickpeas beautifully.
- Dried rosemary: Offers an earthy, piney note that lifts the overall flavor.
- Dried thyme: Brings a gentle herbal hint that harmonizes each bite.
- Chili flakes: A delicate kick of heat to brighten the savory elements.
- Canned chickpeas (2 cans, 15 oz each): The star ingredient, providing creaminess and protein-packed heartiness.
- Large potato: Cut into small pieces to create a velvety texture when cooked down.
- Vegetable broth: Low-sodium is best to control the salt level and add savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors just right.
How to Make Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, paprika, rosemary, thyme, and chili flakes. Let them cook for about 2 minutes while stirring gently. This step is crucial because it wakes up those spices and garlic, releasing their fragrant oils and setting a delicious foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Add Chickpeas and Potato
Next, add the canned chickpeas and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir them so they’re evenly coated with the aromatic oil and spices. The chickpeas bring a lovely creamy bite, while the diced potatoes will soften during cooking, helping to naturally thicken the broth.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for 30 minutes. This slow cook gives the potatoes time to tenderize and infuses the chickpeas with the hearty flavors from the herbs and garlic.
Step 4: Season to Taste
After simmering, season the soup with salt and black pepper. Taste as you go, adjusting until you get that perfect balance that suits your palate. This simple seasoning step elevates all the ingredients.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup until creamy. Leaving some chickpeas and potato chunks whole keeps plenty of texture while giving it a luscious consistency.
Step 6: Serve with a Drizzle of Olive Oil
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a drizzle of extra olive oil. This adds richness and a beautiful glossy surface that makes each spoonful inviting and satisfying.
How to Serve Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a handful of finely sliced green onions over the top. A few toasted pine nuts or a dollop of plain yogurt can add delightful contrast in texture and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread to soak up every last drop or a simple green salad tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette for a fresh counterpoint to the smoky, garlicky flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy, homestyle feel or pour it into small rustic cups for a charming appetizer. For a whimsical touch, add a swirl of chili oil right before serving to highlight the subtle heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Flavors deepen overnight, making the soup even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes well too! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy it whenever you need a quick nourishing meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Reheating slowly keeps the flavors fresh and the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just remember to soak the dried chickpeas overnight and cook them fully before adding to the soup. This will add more prep time but can give even fresher taste and texture.
Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for many dietary preferences and restrictions.
Can I make this soup spicier or milder?
Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your heat tolerance. Skip or reduce them for a mild version, or add more for a spicy kick.
What can I substitute for rosemary and thyme?
If you don’t have rosemary or thyme on hand, Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like oregano and sage can work well as alternatives in this recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Carrots, celery, spinach, or kale can be great additions to boost nutrition and flavor. Just add them during the simmering stage and cook until tender.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe is such a delightful dish to have in your culinary rotation. It’s simple, wholesome, and bursting with flavor that feels both comforting and energizing. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how satisfying a humble bowl of soup can be.
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Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup is a warm, comforting, and flavorful vegetarian dish that combines the hearty goodness of chickpeas and potatoes with aromatic garlic and herbs. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, this soup is made on the stovetop and features a creamy texture achieved by blending part of the soup to your preference.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, with extra for drizzling
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced or crushed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 cans chickpeas (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
- 1 large potato, cut into small pieces (6 oz / 180 grams)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (480 ml, low-sodium)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, paprika, dried rosemary, thyme, and chili flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Chickpeas and Potatoes: Add the drained chickpeas and diced potatoes into the pot. Stir well to coat the chickpeas and potatoes evenly with the sautéed aromatics and spices.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- Season to Taste: After simmering, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Stir well to combine.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a creamier soup texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot. Blend to your desired consistency, leaving some chickpeas whole for texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and drizzle with a little extra olive oil on top for freshness and added flavor. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- For a vegan version, ensure the vegetable broth is free of animal ingredients.
- You can substitute dried herbs with fresh ones—use about double the amount when using fresh.
- If you like a spicier soup, increase the chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To make it gluten-free, verify that the vegetable broth you use does not contain any gluten additives.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to 1 month.
