Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup
Introduction
Garlic chickpea soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that is both easy to make and highly nutritious. Packed with protein, fiber, and immune-boosting properties, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a warming dinner, this recipe is a wonderful option. The recipe is simple, uses easily accessible ingredients, and comes together in no time. Dive into this delightful recipe and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of garlic chickpea soup.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
– 2 cups cooked chickpeas or 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Prep Time
Preparing the garlic chickpea soup requires minimal steps, making it a go-to recipe for busy days. Simply measure out your ingredients, chop the onions, and mince the garlic. Give your chickpeas a rinse if you’re using canned ones. That’s all it takes to get started!
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time: Approximately 25 minutes
Total time: About 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Create this simple and delicious garlic chickpea soup using these steps, and enjoy a dish that’s packed with flavor and nourishment. Pair it with crusty bread for an even more satisfying meal.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves. Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas. Gather all your other ingredients, such as olive oil, vegetable broth, and spices, so they are ready to use.
Step 2: Heat Olive Oil
In a large pot or heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Add the chopped garlic to the pot. Stir it frequently and allow it to sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Add Chickpeas and Spices
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the pot. Stir to combine, and then sprinkle in the spices of your choice, such as ground cumin or paprika, to enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Pour in Broth
Carefully pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chickpeas to soften further.
Step 7: Blend Partially (Optional)
Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup directly in the pot until you achieve a creamy consistency while still retaining some whole chickpeas for texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then mix it back into the pot.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding salt, pepper, or additional spices to your preference.
Step 9: Serve
Ladle the garlic chickpea soup into bowls, drizzle with extra olive oil if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a comforting meal.
Notes
Note on Adjusting Consistency
If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Note on Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the soup.
Note on Optional Toppings
Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of red chili flakes, or a dollop of yogurt to enhance the flavors when serving.
Note on Substitutions
This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute ingredients like swapping vegetable broth for chicken broth or adding other vegetables such as spinach or carrots for added nutrition.
Cook Techniques
Sauteing the Ingredients
Begin by sauteing garlic and onion in olive oil to bring out their aromatic flavors, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn for a robust flavor profile.
Blending for a Creamy Texture
Use an immersion blender or traditional blender to make the soup smoother, or partially blend for a textured finish while still retaining some whole chickpeas.
Simmering for Depth
Simmer the soup on low-medium heat after adding the liquids to enhance the depth of flavors and allow the spices to meld together.
Adjusting Seasonings
Taste the soup during the cooking process and adjust the seasonings like salt and pepper according to your preference.
Serving with Complementary Toppings
Garnish the soup with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a bright, refreshing finish to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but make sure to soak them overnight and then cook until tender before using them in the soup.
What can I use as a substitute for vegetable stock?
You can substitute water or chicken stock if you prefer. Adjust the seasonings to complement your choice of liquid.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a small amount of cayenne pepper to give the soup a spicy kick.
Can this soup be made ahead of time?
Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking.
Is this garlic chickpea soup vegan?
This recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What are the best toppings for this soup?
Toppings like fresh herbs, croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a dollop of vegan yogurt go well with this soup.
How can I thicken the soup?
Blend more of the soup or add a small amount of mashed potato or cornstarch dissolved in water to achieve your desired consistency.
What should I serve alongside this soup?
Serve it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Conclusion
This delightful garlic chickpea soup is the perfect recipe for a comforting, healthy, and flavorful meal. Its simplicity and nutrient-packed ingredients make it an ideal dish for any time of the year. Enjoy the rich and creamy texture, enhanced by the robust flavor of garlic, with minimal time and effort. Perfect for solo meals or shared dining, this soup is an irresistible addition to your recipe collection!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Tomato Bisque
Pair this creamy garlic chickpea soup with a bowl of classic tomato bisque for a perfect soup duo. Serve with some crispy bread or croutons for added texture.
Lentil and Spinach Stew
Try combining chickpea soup with a hearty lentil and spinach stew. The mix of flavors and textures will surely create a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Roasted Vegetable Medley
Serve the garlic chickpea soup as a starter and pair it with a roasted vegetable medley for a comforting and colorful dinner.
Quinoa and Cucumber Salad
For a lighter meal, pair the soup with a refreshing quinoa and cucumber salad. This combination provides a healthy balance of fiber and protein.
Spiced Sweet Potato Soup
Double up on soups by serving the chickpea soup alongside a spiced sweet potato soup for a rich, warming, and filling meal.
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