Hearty Chickpea Soup: Easy Plant-Based Recipe Tonight!

Hearty Chickpea Soup is a hug in a bowl. I remember my grandmother making this for us on chilly autumn evenings, the aroma filling her cozy kitchen with warmth and love. It’s a dish that transcends generations, a simple yet profoundly satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

This recipe isn’t just about chickpeas and broth; it’s about creating a comforting experience. So prepare to savor the warmth and deliciousness of a classic, elevated! Get ready to learn how to make Hearty Chickpea Soup.

Hearty Chickpea Soup - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

Why You Will Love This Hearty Chickpea Soup Recipe

This plant-based chickpea soup is pure comfort in a bowl! It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. I love how versatile it is; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices. My kids are obsessed with this soup.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of simple ingredients creating a wonderfully complex flavor profile, and it is ready in under an hour! This soup is a celebration of plant based eating and shows how delicious and satisfying it can be. Plus, it’s budget friendly . Try it with some crusty bread for dipping and you’ve got a simple and satisfying meal. Looking for more cozy bowls? Be sure to check out this Filipino Boiled Soup.

Hearty Chickpea Soup - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This Hearty Chickpea Soup Recipe

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
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How to Make This Hearty Chickpea Soup Recipe

  1. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. 2. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. 3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. 4. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir to combine.
  5. 5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. For a thicker consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Or, remove about 1 cup of the soup and blend it in a regular blender before returning it to the pot. For a spicier kick, try this Spicy Chickpea Meatball Stew sometime!
  6. 6. Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. 7. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. 8. Serve hot and enjoy.

How to Serve This Hearty Chickpea Soup Recipe

Serve this soup hot with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro. A dollop of vegan yogurt or a swirl of pesto adds a nice touch. I love pairing it with crusty bread or toasted pita for dipping. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a simple salad or a grilled cheese sandwich. For a different flavor profile, you might also find this Traditional Beet Soup interesting.

How to Store This Hearty Chickpea Soup Recipe

Refrigeration: Allow the hearty chickpea soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make This Hearty Chickpea Soup Recipe

  • Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute other vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or bell peppers. You can also use different herbs like oregano or bay leaf.
  • Success Tips: Don’t skip the step of sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery. This builds a flavorful base for the soup. Using high quality vegetable broth also makes a difference.
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the vegetables can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them and cook until they are tender but still have some texture.
  • Pro Tips for Best Results: For a richer flavor, add a Parmesan cheese rind while the soup simmers. Remember to remove the rind before serving.

Helpful Notes for This Hearty Chickpea Soup Recipe

  • Chickpeas: You can use dried chickpeas instead of canned. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the soup.
  • Vegetable Broth: Use a good-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor. If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use water with a vegetable bouillon cube.
  • Equipment: A large pot or Dutch oven is ideal for making this soup. An immersion blender can be helpful for thickening the soup, but it’s not essential.

Variation of This Hearty Chickpea Soup Recipe

  • Seasonal Twists: In the fall, add butternut squash or pumpkin for a sweet and savory twist. In the spring, add asparagus or peas for a fresh and vibrant flavor.
  • Optional Versions: For a creamy plant based chickpea soup, add a can of coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Creative Modifications: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different citrusy flavor.

What are the key ingredients for a hearty chickpea soup?

The key ingredients typically include chickpeas, vegetable broth, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika. A touch of lemon juice can brighten the flavors for a more complex taste.

Can I freeze hearty chickpea soup?

Yes, hearty chickpea soup freezes very well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Is chickpea soup healthy?

Chickpea soup is a healthy and nutritious meal. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a great option for a balanced diet. It is also typically low in fat and calories.

What can I serve with chickpea soup?

Chickpea soup pairs well with crusty bread for dipping, a side salad, or grilled cheese sandwich. It is also very satisfying on its own.

Conclusion

This really is the perfect recipe for Hearty Chickpea Soup! It’s unbelievably satisfying, easy to make, and packed with nutrients. This cozy soup is sure to become a family favorite. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Please leave a comment below and let us know how it turns out!

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Hearty Chickpea Soup: Easy Plant-Based Recipe Tonight!


  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A warm and comforting Hearty Chickpea Soup filled with vegetables and flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir to combine.
  5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. For a thicker consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Or, remove about 1 cup of the soup and blend it in a regular blender before returning it to the pot.
  6. Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: chickpea, soup, vegan, vegetarian, plant based

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