Greek Chickpea Soup
A vibrant and nourishing dish showcasing the flavors of the Mediterranean, combining chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed) Soaked overnight if using dried.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 medium onion, diced For base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Add flavor depth.
- 2 medium carrots, diced Adds sweetness.
- 2 stalks celery, diced For crunch.
- 1 bell pepper, diced bell pepper, diced For color and sweetness.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices Adds acidity.
- 5 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth) For liquid base.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin For earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano For Mediterranean flair.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika For a smoky hint.
- to taste Salt and black pepper Adjust according to preference.
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped For nutrition and color.
- 1 juice of 1 lemon For acidity.
- to garnish Fresh parsley, chopped For presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Soak the chickpeas overnight in plenty of water. After soaking, rinse and drain them well.
- In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it turns translucent.
- Introduce the minced garlic, diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper into the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the soaked or canned chickpeas, the diced tomatoes with their juices, and the vegetable broth. Add cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
Cooking
- Once boiling, reduce the heat. Allow the soup to simmer for 30-40 minutes if using dried chickpeas, or 15-20 minutes for canned chickpeas.
- Fold in the chopped spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt for about 5 minutes. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and adjust the seasoning.
Serving
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
For added richness, drizzle olive oil before serving. You can add cayenne pepper for heat. Serve over quinoa or rice for a heartier meal. Blend part of the soup for a creamier texture. Try different seasonal vegetables.