Easy Chickpea Soup Recipe

If you’re searching for a soul-warming meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, look no further than this Easy Chickpea Soup. The combination of hearty vegetables, creamy chickpeas, and aromatic herbs creates a satisfying dish that comes together in under an hour. It’s a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something comforting yet quick, and it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy Chickpea Soup lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a special role to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll probably have most of these kitchen staples on hand, and every one brings something unique to the table.

• Olive oil: Brings a smooth richness and helps sauté the vegetables for maximum flavor.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that’s essential for any cozy soup.
• Garlic: Adds wonderful depth and aroma—don’t skip it!
• Sweet potatoes: Offer beautiful color, nutrition, and a touch of natural sweetness.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup; opt for homemade or low-sodium if possible.
• Bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal notes that round out the flavor.
• Dried basil: Brings a floral, peppery taste—don’t be afraid to adjust to your liking.
• Dried thyme: Offers earthy, woodsy undertones.
• Paprika: Adds just a hint of smokiness and color.
• Tomato: Freshens up the soup and gives a little acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Frozen mixed vegetables: Convenient, colorful, and packed with nutrients—no chopping needed!
• Chickpeas: The star! They’re hearty, creamy, and delightfully filling.
• Salt: To bring all the flavors together; season to your preference.
• Ground black pepper: For a finishing touch of subtle spice.

How to Make Easy Chickpea Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sweet potatoes. Stir frequently and cook for about five minutes, until the onion is tender and translucent. This builds a flavorful foundation and softens the sweet potatoes so they’ll cook evenly later on.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Spices

Next, pour in your chicken or vegetable broth, then drop in the bay leaf, dried basil, dried thyme, and paprika. Give everything a gentle stir. Increase the heat and bring it all to a boil, then immediately reduce to medium-low, cover the pot, and let those flavors meld for about fifteen minutes. You want your sweet potatoes to be tender, but not too soft—taste a piece to check.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Chickpeas

When the sweet potatoes are just right, stir in your chopped tomato, frozen mixed vegetables, and drained chickpeas. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Now, let the soup simmer uncovered for another ten minutes, just until the vegetables and chickpeas are perfectly tender. The kitchen will smell amazing and the soup will come together beautifully!

Step 4: Taste and Serve

Remove the bay leaf and give the soup a final taste, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the Easy Chickpea Soup into bowls while it’s piping hot, maybe with a sprinkle of herbs or a twist of black pepper on top. Every spoonful is cozy, bright, and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Easy Chickpea Soup

Garnishes

You can take this Easy Chickpea Soup to the next level with a few fresh toppings. I love a sprinkle of chopped parsley, a dash of crushed red pepper, or even a drizzle of good olive oil. For extra heartiness, dollop in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a grating of Parmesan for richness.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a chunk of crusty bread or toasted pita for dunking. If you want to build out the meal, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad or a plate of garlicky roasted vegetables for added freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle Easy Chickpea Soup into mugs for a cozy, casual gathering, or try swirling in pesto for a splash of color and burst of herbal flavor. You can also serve it over steamed rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal, making it adaptable for whatever you’re craving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Easy Chickpea Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This soup is wonderful for meal prep—just portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently in the microwave, giving you a healthy, homemade meal in minutes whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, place your soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s thickened in the fridge, just add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand—carrots, peas, green beans, or corn all work nicely. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since fresh veggies might take a bit longer to become tender.

Is Easy Chickpea Soup vegan?

It’s easy to keep this recipe vegan—just make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip any non-vegan garnishes like Parmesan cheese. The core ingredients are entirely plant-based!

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook and cool dried chickpeas before adding them. One can of chickpeas is roughly 1.5 cups of cooked beans. Plan ahead, soak overnight, and simmer until tender for the best results.

Can this soup be made in advance?

Definitely! Easy Chickpea Soup is an excellent make-ahead dish, ideal for meal prep. It keeps beautifully, and the flavors just get better as they meld together in the fridge.

How can I make it spicier?

To add some heat, consider tossing in a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot paprika, or a chopped chili pepper when you add the other spices. You can also finish with a swirl of hot sauce right before serving for a zesty kick!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s craveable, nourishing, and weeknight-easy, this Easy Chickpea Soup checks all the boxes. I hope it brightens your table as much as it has mine—give it a try, and don’t forget to make it your own with your favorite veggies and garnishes!

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