This Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with chickpeas, garlic, and spices, it’s cozy and hearty without any dairy.
It’s my go-to on chilly days when I need a quick meal. Just blend, simmer, and enjoy while wrapped in a blanket. Who knew soup could be this comforting? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is essential for sautéing the veggies. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil works well too. I love olive oil for its rich flavor, but using a lighter oil can bring out the spices even more.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient! You can also use dried chickpeas; just soak and cook them beforehand. I often keep a few cans on hand for quick meals.
Vegetable Broth: Any good-quality broth enhances the soup’s flavor. If you’re short on broth, water with a splash of soy sauce adds great taste. Homemade broth can elevate this soup even further!
Spices: Ground cumin and smoked paprika are fantastic, but feel free to swap smoked paprika for regular and add a pinch of cayenne for some heat. I sometimes toss in a bay leaf while it simmers for extra depth.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs add brightness. If parsley isn’t available, try cilantro or even spinach for a twist. They all add a nice fresh flavor!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Soup Consistency?
Getting the right texture in your soup is key. You want creamy but still chunky! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Sauté your vegetables until they’re soft to create a good base.
- Add the broth and chickpeas, letting everything simmer until tender for about 15-20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend until creamy. If you want chunks, blend only half of the soup.
- Don’t forget to stir in fresh herbs and seasoning to balance flavors!
This method keeps some whole chickpeas for a satisfying bite. Remember, blending just a bit enhances creaminess without losing texture!
Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup takes about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking, totaling around 40 minutes. It’s a quick meal packed with flavors that will keep you cozy and satisfied!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the chopped onion and cook it until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This is the base of our flavorful soup!
2. Add Garlic and Carrots:
Next, add the minced garlic and diced carrots. Stir them in and let everything cook for another 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic is fragrant and the carrots start to soften.
3. Toss In the Chickpeas and Spices:
Mix in the chickpeas, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it cook for 1-2 minutes; this lets the spices toast and enhances their flavor.
4. Add Vegetable Broth:
Now, pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. We want those carrots nice and tender!
5. Blend for Creaminess:
Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender), partially blend the soup until it’s creamy but still has some chunky bits. Leaving whole chickpeas adds texture and heartiness!
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as you like. The lemon and parsley will brighten up the flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and sprinkle extra parsley and smoked paprika on top for a lovely garnish. Pair it with some crusty bread for the perfect meal!
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup! It’s not just a dish but an experience you’ll love every spoonful of!
Can I Use Canned Chickpeas Instead of Dry?
Yes, canned chickpeas are perfect for this recipe! They save time and are already cooked. Just be sure to rinse them well before adding them to the soup.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup thickens, you can add a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency.
Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Absolutely! If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes when you mix in the spices. Just start with a small amount and taste as you go until you get the heat level you like!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely get creative! Feel free to add other veggies like celery, spinach, or even diced potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on what you add to ensure everything is cooked through.
