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When you’re craving something comforting and packed with flavor, nothing hits the spot like this Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe. It’s a warm, hearty bowl that brings together the earthy goodness of chickpeas with the vibrant punch of garlic and herbs, all simmered into a satisfying and silky broth. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, this soup is not only simple to whip up but also feels like a little hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a big flavor punch. Each item plays a key role in building the warmth, texture, and irresistible aroma that define this soup.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and is perfect for sautéing the garlic and spices to release their full flavors.
- Garlic cloves: The star of the show, minced or crushed to infuse the soup with bold, aromatic depth.
- Paprika: Brings a gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the broth.
- Dried rosemary: Offers an earthy, piney fragrance that complements the heartiness of chickpeas.
- Dried thyme: Adds subtle herbal notes, rounding out the spice blend perfectly.
- Chili flakes: A pinch gives the soup a gentle kick without overpowering the garlic’s warmth.
- Chickpeas (2 cans): Creamy and protein-rich, chickpeas are the soul of this dish, giving it body and nourishment.
- Large potato: Cut into small pieces to thicken the soup naturally and add a comforting softness.
- Vegetable broth: Low-sodium is best to control saltiness while providing a savory base for the soup.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every flavor in the pot.
How to Make Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Seasonings
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, paprika, dried rosemary, thyme, and chili flakes. Sauté this vibrant mixture for about two minutes, letting the garlic become fragrant and the spices awaken to release every bit of their magic. This is where the foundation of flavor starts taking shape.
Step 2: Add the Chickpeas and Potatoes
Once your aromatic seasoning mix is ready, add the two cans of chickpeas and the diced potato pieces. Stir everything together well so each chickpea and potato nugget is coated in that flavorful oil and spice blend.
Step 3: Pour in the Vegetable Broth and Simmer
Next, pour in two cups of low-sodium vegetable broth, and increase the heat to bring it all to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the potatoes to soften and the flavors to harmonize beautifully.
Step 4: Season to Taste
After simmering, taste your soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper until it perfectly suits your palate. This final seasoning step is key to making the soup sing with flavor.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
If you’re after a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup directly in the pot. This blends some of the chickpeas and potatoes, creating a luscious, thicker broth while still leaving plenty of whole chickpeas for texture—a perfect balance.
Step 6: Serve and Drizzle
Serve the soup hot, drizzling a little extra olive oil over each bowl for that finishing touch of richness and shine. The olive oil not only enhances the flavor but adds an inviting silky sheen that makes this garlic chickpea soup even more tempting.
How to Serve Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this soup, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few cilantro leaves for a burst of fresh, green brightness. A pinch of extra chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a lovely zing, too.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or garlic naan to soak up every last drop of broth. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette also works wonders to balance the hearty chickpea flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and swirl in a dollop of plain yogurt or a spoonful of pesto for a colorful twist. Serving it in mini bread bowls can turn it into an unforgettable appetizer for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its fresh flavor and keep those garlic and herb notes vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover soup for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags for easy portioning. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the consistency.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to soak them overnight and cook them beforehand until tender. Using canned chickpeas is a convenient shortcut, but dried ones can offer a little more texture if you prefer.
Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for a wide range of dietary needs without any modifications.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Carrots, celery, or spinach can be wonderful additions. Just add them based on their cooking times—harder veggies like carrots early on, leafy greens toward the end.
What if I want a spicier soup?
Feel free to increase the chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for anyone who wants an extra kick.
How thick should my soup be?
This soup has a lovely medium consistency, thickened naturally by potatoes and partially blended chickpeas. If you prefer it thinner, just add a bit more broth or water when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe is a true kitchen champion—simple, wholesome, and bursting with cozy, comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or craving a tasty bowl to warm you up, this soup has got your back. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of those go-to dishes you can always count on.
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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: Vegan
Description
This Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup is a hearty and flavorful vegan soup made with protein-rich chickpeas, aromatic garlic, and herbs. It’s a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for a quick dinner or lunch, featuring simple ingredients and straightforward instructions that result in a rich, creamy texture and robust taste.
Ingredients
Main 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)
- 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 Spices and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, paprika, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and chili flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden.
- Add Chickpeas and Potato: Stir in the drained chickpeas and diced potato pieces to the pot. Mix well to coat them evenly with the sautéed garlic and spices.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and allow it to simmer for 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the potatoes soften.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference to enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Blend for Creaminess: If desired, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup directly in the pot, creating a creamier texture while still keeping some chickpeas whole for contrast.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and finish with a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness and a silky mouthfeel. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried but adjust quantities accordingly (use about three times the amount).
- For a spicier soup, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a completely smooth soup, blend the entire batch instead of partially.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control saltiness.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to 1 month.
