Description
Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup is a comforting and flavorful plant-based soup packed with protein-rich chickpeas, aromatic garlic, and warm spices. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is nutritious, easy to prepare, and perfect for a wholesome, healthy meal with fresh spinach and a hint of lemon.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Liquids and Broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Proteins
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas or canned chickpeas, drained
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add chickpeas and spices: Add the cooked or canned chickpeas, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the soup.
- Finish with lemon juice: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm for a nourishing meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the spinach.
- Enhance the heartiness by adding diced potatoes or small pasta shapes during the simmering step.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
