A Bowl of Comfort: Easy and Hearty Chickpea Soup Recipe

As autumn and winter approach, having a go-to hearty soup recipe is always a good idea.

Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or something comforting to warm you up on a cold day, this chickpea soup is one you’ll find yourself making time and time again.

What’s great about this soup is that it can be put together in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

You can also easily meal prep a batch on a Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.

For me, this recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s naturally vegetarian and vegan, loaded with tender vegetables, and full of protein from the hearty chickpeas.

The ingredients are simple pantry staples and budget-friendly items you likely already have. Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), broth, extra-virgin olive oil, and vegetables (I use spinach) – there’s no need to make a special trip to the grocery store.

How to make this chickpea soup recipe

Step 1

Begin by heating a few tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots and sauté for a few minutes.

Step 2

Add the soaked or canned chickpeas to the pot, along with a bay leaf.

STep 3

Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer at medium-low heat for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 4

Once the chickpeas have softened, add the spinach, meanwhile, you can puree about 1/3 cup of the soup with a food processor.

Alternatively, leave it chunky.

Step 5

Stir in the blended chickpea and cook for 10 minutes.

Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Ladle the hot Chickpea Vegetable Soup into bowls and serve it with some crusty ciabatta bread.

Using dry chickpeas

If you’re using dry chickpeas, I highly recommend soaking them overnight in plenty of water for maximum flavor and nutrition.

To do so, place 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with at least 2 inches of water. Soak overnight or for 8 hours.

Drain and add the soaked beans to your simmering broth and extra liquid if needed.

Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until tender but not mushy.

Check periodically and add more liquid as needed.

Once soft, proceed with the soup recipe as above.

Best tips

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Soaking the chickpeas overnight before cooking them helps reduce cooking time and ensures they cook evenly.
• Blend about half the soup for optimal texture, so it thickens up. You can also use an immersion blender straight in the pot.
• Roasting the carrots and onion first will add extra caramelized flavor.
• Use homemade vegetable broth for the most flavorful soup.

Recipe variations and substitutions

This healthy chickpea soup recipe is a versatile base for many variations. 

Here are a few ideas:

• Add other vegetables such as diced zucchini, bell peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, or any veggie you like.
• Try spices like cumin, paprika, or turmeric in the soup.
• Add chicken, smoked turkey breast, or even sausage to the soup.
• Substitute the vegetable broth with chicken or beef broth if you prefer a different flavor profile.
• Stir in small pasta like pastina, rice, or tiny shells. I always make it the next day with leftovers, add pasta, and finish with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.

How to Serve This creamy chickpea soup

This soup is hearty and satisfying on its own, but I also enjoy serving it with crusty ciabatta bread or rolls to soak up every last drop.

Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy chickpeas, or chopped fresh parsley allow each spoonful to customize flavor and texture.

Leftovers and storage

When it comes to storing leftovers, bring the soup to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

You can also freeze the leftover soup for 2-3 months, thawing it overnight in the fridge or reheating it from frozen when ready to serve. 

The best way to reheat is to microwave it until warm, about 2-3 minutes, or reheat it in a pot by adding a half cup of broth or water.

easy chickpea soup

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