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- Chickpeas: Use 2 cans (15 oz each) of chickpeas. Drain and rinse them well. This adds protein and fiber to your soup. - Vegetables: You need 1 medium onion, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 medium carrots, and 2 celery stalks. These veggies bring flavor and nutrition. Add 1 cup of spinach or kale for added vitamins. - Spices: Ground cumin and smoked paprika are key. Use 1 teaspoon of each to give depth and warmth. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. - Fresh Herbs: Top your soup with fresh parsley or cilantro. They add a burst of color and fresh flavor. - Additional Flavor Boosters: If you want more zing, add extra lemon juice. A touch of zest enhances the lemon flavor, making each bite pop. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 diced medium onion. Sauté the onion until it turns soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Next, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring often so it does not burn. Cooking the Carrots and Celery Now, add 2 diced medium carrots and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot. Stir well and cook for around 5 minutes. This step helps the vegetables soften and blend their flavors. Adding Spices and Broth Once the carrots and celery have softened, it's time to add flavor. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Mix well to coat the veggies with the spices. Next, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, which will help release the flavors. Incorporating Chickpeas and Lemon After the broth boils, add 2 cans of drained and rinsed chickpeas. Squeeze in the juice from 1 large lemon and add the lemon zest. Stir everything together and reduce the heat. Let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the chickpeas to soak up the flavors. Adding Greens and Seasoning Just before serving, add 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach or kale to the pot. Stir until the greens just wilt, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step adds color and nutrients to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, add more lemon juice for extra brightness. Serving Suggestions Serve the soup hot in bowls. For a nice touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. This adds a fresh flavor and makes the soup look appealing. Enjoy your healthy comfort food! Adjusting Spices To boost the taste, play with the spices. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a deeper flavor, try adding more cumin or smoked paprika. Taste as you go. This lets you find the perfect balance. You can also try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth. Lemon Juice Variations The lemon juice gives the soup its bright zing. If you want it zestier, add more lemon juice. You can also experiment with lemon-infused olive oil for a unique twist. This can add a rich flavor that pairs well with the chickpeas. Pureeing the Soup If you prefer a smooth texture, use an immersion blender. Blend the soup until it’s creamy. This technique helps the flavors mix better, creating a velvety soup. For a chunkier feel, blend only half of it. This keeps some chickpeas whole for added texture. Adding Creaminess For a richer soup, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream. This adds a nice creaminess that makes each bite feel indulgent. You can also use a dollop of yogurt on top when serving. It gives a fresh taste and looks great too! {{image_2}} Using Different Greens You can change the greens in this soup. Spinach and kale work great, but you can also try Swiss chard or arugula. Each green adds its own flavor and texture. If you want a milder taste, go for spinach. If you want a bit of spice, arugula is a good choice. Alternative Broths The soup uses vegetable broth, but chicken broth is a tasty option too. If you want a richer flavor, you can use mushroom broth. You can even make it creamy by adding coconut milk. Just remember that each broth will change the taste a bit. Vegan Options This soup is already vegan, but you can make it even more wholesome. Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients. You can also throw in some lentils for added protein. These changes keep it plant-based while boosting flavor. Gluten-Free Considerations This soup is naturally gluten-free. Just check the broth to make sure it has no gluten. You can use any broth labeled gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the soup without worry. Enjoying healthy comfort food should be for all! After enjoying your Lemon Garlic Chickpea Soup, store any leftovers in the fridge. Allow the soup to cool before putting it in a container. This helps keep it fresh. Use an airtight container to prevent any odors from mixing. Your soup can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the soup longer, freezing is a great option. Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. The soup can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat the frozen soup, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir often until it's hot. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Enjoy your warm, comforting soup! You can store Lemon Garlic Chickpea Soup in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool before placing it in a container. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This soup tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors blend. Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Start by soaking them overnight in water. This helps them cook faster. After soaking, drain and rinse the chickpeas. You’ll need to cook them in water for about 1 to 1.5 hours until they are tender. Once cooked, you can add them to the soup like you would with canned chickpeas. Lemon Garlic Chickpea Soup pairs well with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Crusty bread for dipping - A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette - Roasted vegetables for added flavor - Grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting touch These sides complement the soup and make for a balanced meal. Enjoy experimenting with the combinations! This blog covered how to make a tasty Lemon Garlic Chickpea Soup. You learned about key ingredients like chickpeas, vegetables, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions on preparing and cooking the soup. We covered useful tips for flavor and texture, plus variations and storage info to keep leftovers fresh. In the end, this soup is easy to make and great for everyone. I encourage you to try different ingredients and adjust flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy making this delicious dish!

Lemon Garlic Chickpea Soup

Discover the refreshing flavors of Lemon Garlic Chickpea Soup, a healthy and hearty dish that's perfect for any day. Packed with chickpeas, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty lemon twist, this easy recipe is not only delicious but also nourishing. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 cup spinach or kale, roughly chopped

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

      Stir in the diced carrots and celery, allowing them to soften for about 5 minutes.

        Add the ground cumin and smoked paprika to the pot, and mix well until the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.

          Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

            Add the chickpeas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

              Just before serving, stir in the chopped spinach or kale, cooking until just wilted (about 2-3 minutes).

                Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add more lemon juice for extra zest.

                  Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

                    Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 4-6