Description
A comforting and nutritious chickpea and vegetable soup that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. As the oil warms, imagine the scent of garlic and onion beginning to lift into the air—an aroma that sets the foundation for so many Greek recipes.
- Add the chopped onion and carrots and sauté for about 5–6 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Let the spices bloom for a minute—this is what gives the soup its earthy warmth and golden hue.
- Next, stir in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. The soup will thicken slightly as it cooks, and the chickpeas will become tender and buttery.
- For a slightly creamy texture, use the back of a wooden spoon to mash some of the chickpeas against the side of the pot. You can also blend a small portion with an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother finish.
- Stir in the lemon juice and fresh herbs right at the end. That splash of lemon? It’s the soul of the soup—adding a bright, citrusy note that perfectly balances the earthy spices.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with a chunk of rustic bread. Each bite is comforting, nutritious, and deeply satisfying.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead of time and freezes well.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg