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- 2 cans (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred) - 1 cup full-fat coconut milk Chickpeas are the star of this soup. They add protein and fiber, making it hearty. The onion and garlic build a savory base. Coconut milk brings a rich creaminess that rounds out the flavors. - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Ground cumin adds warmth with its earthy notes. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Salt and pepper enhance the soup’s flavor and balance the creamy texture. - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Fresh parsley adds a bright touch and color. Lemon juice lifts the flavors and adds freshness. A drizzle of olive oil on top gives a nice finish and richness. This combination of ingredients creates a tasty and warm bowl of creamy garlic chickpea soup. Each element plays a role in developing depth and flavor. You can mix and match some ingredients to fit your taste. Enjoy this soup on a chilly day or whenever you need comfort. {{ingredient_image_2}} Sautéing the Onion Warm 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 finely chopped large onion. Sauté the onion for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it regularly until it becomes soft and clear. Adding Garlic and Spices Next, add 4 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the pot. Stir the mix for about 1 minute. This lets the spices toast and gives the soup a great aroma. Incorporating Chickpeas and Broth Now, add 2 cans of thoroughly drained and rinsed chickpeas into the pot. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth as well. Increase the heat to bring the mix to a rapid boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to let it simmer for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. Blending Until Smooth After simmering, take the pot off the heat. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until it is completely smooth. If you do not have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend each batch until it is silky. Adding Coconut Milk Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk. Let it warm through and blend well for about 5 minutes. If you want a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth until it reaches your preferred thickness. Seasoning and Serving Finally, season the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. Serve the soup hot and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. - Toasting Spices: Toast spices in the pot before adding other ingredients. This step makes the flavors pop. When you heat the spices, they release their oils. This adds a rich, deep taste to your soup. I always toast cumin and paprika for this recipe. - Adjusting Thickness: If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer longer. For a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth. Gradually add broth until you reach your preferred consistency. It’s all about what you like! - Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup in rustic bowls. This gives a cozy feel. You can also drizzle a bit of coconut milk or olive oil on top. This adds a nice touch and makes it look fancy. Whole chickpeas or parsley leaves can add elegance. - Garnishing Techniques: For garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and brightness. You can also use lemon zest for a fresh kick. Just a little zest can take your soup to the next level. - Best Blender Options: An immersion blender works best for this soup. It makes blending easy and quick. If you don’t have one, a regular blender is fine too. Just be careful with hot soup! - Recommended Cookware: Use a large pot for cooking. A heavy-bottomed pot helps with even heating. This prevents burning and keeps your soup creamy and smooth. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Adding a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil just before serving can elevate the flavor profile of your soup. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, gradually add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. Spice It Up: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions. Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. {{image_4}} Using Different Beans You can swap chickpeas for other beans. Try black beans or white beans. Each type adds its own flavor and texture. This change keeps the soup fresh and exciting. Dairy-Free Alternatives If you want a lighter soup, use almond milk or oat milk instead of coconut milk. These options offer a different taste while keeping the soup creamy. Each choice brings its own unique twist. Adding Greens (Spinach/Kale) Adding greens makes the soup healthier and more vibrant. Toss in fresh spinach or chopped kale while cooking. They wilt quickly and blend well with the soup's texture. Experimenting with Other Spices Feel free to add your favorite spices. A dash of chili powder can spice things up. You could also try curry powder for a warm, comforting flavor. Mixing spices can lead to new flavor profiles. Perfect Pairings (Bread, Salad) This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad. A slice of sourdough adds crunch. A fresh green salad complements the warmth of the soup. Transforming into a Stew If you want a thicker meal, turn your soup into a stew. Just reduce the broth and add more veggies. This creates a hearty dish that's perfect for chilly days. To store the leftovers, let the soup cool down first. Pour it into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to four days in the fridge. You can enjoy it again within this time frame. Just remember to stir it well before serving. If you want to freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can use leftover soup in many ways. Try blending it into a sauce for pasta. You can also pour it over grains like quinoa or rice. Add some fresh veggies to make a quick meal. The options are endless! How can I make this soup spicier? To spice up your soup, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned? Yes, you can use dried chickpeas! Soak them overnight and cook them until tender. This will make your soup even heartier. Just remember to adjust the cooking time in the recipe. Is this soup vegan-friendly? Absolutely! This creamy garlic chickpea soup is vegan. It uses coconut milk instead of dairy, making it perfect for anyone on a plant-based diet. What are the health benefits of chickpeas? Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber. They help keep you full and support digestion. They also provide vitamins and minerals, like folate and iron, which are great for your health. Can I substitute coconut milk? Yes, you can! If you want a lighter option, try using almond milk or soy milk. Both will change the flavor, but they will still work well in the soup. How can I thicken the soup without blending? You can thicken the soup by adding more chickpeas or using a cornstarch slurry. Just mix cornstarch with a little cold water, then stir it into the soup. Let it simmer until it thickens. This blog covers how to make a tasty chickpea soup. We explored key ingredients, like chickpeas and coconut milk, and the spices that boost flavor. The step-by-step guide ensures you sauté, blend, and serve the soup perfectly. Don’t forget the tips on enhancing flavor and storage options. Feel free to switch ingredients and try variations to fit your taste. This soup is simple and delicious. You can enjoy it today or later with leftovers. Happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup

A rich and flavorful soup made with chickpeas, garlic, and coconut milk, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  • After the onions have softened, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Continue to stir for about 1 minute to allow the spices to toast slightly and become fragrant.
  • Next, incorporate the drained and rinsed chickpeas into the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rapid boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Remove the pot from the heat source. Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the soup until it's completely smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, blending each batch until smooth.
  • Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in the full-fat coconut milk, allowing it to warm through and blend with the soup. Let it simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, and if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can gradually add more vegetable broth to achieve your desired thickness.
  • Finally, season the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice. Tweak the seasoning to your taste.
  • Serve the soup hot, elegantly garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in rustic bowls and drizzle with extra coconut milk or olive oil for presentation.
Keyword chickpeas, healthy, soup, vegan