Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup

This Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup is a cozy, hearty dish that’s packed with nutrients and flavor. With simple ingredients like chickpeas, garlic, and vegetable broth, it’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch. This creamy and comforting soup delivers warmth with each spoonful, without the need for any animal products.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutrient-packed: Loaded with protein from chickpeas and plenty of vitamins from vegetables.
• Easy to make: This recipe comes together in just under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
• Vegan and dairy-free: Perfect for those following plant-based diets or anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional creamy soups.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to include your favorite herbs and spices.
• Budget-friendly: All ingredients are affordable and easy to find.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chickpeas (canned or cooked)
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Carrot, chopped
• Celery, chopped
• Thyme (fresh or dried)
• Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
2. Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add chickpeas and broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chickpeas. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Blend the soup: Remove the bay leaf, and if you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup while leaving some chickpeas whole.
5. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields about 4 servings.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Creamier version: Blend the entire soup for a fully creamy texture, or stir in a plant-based cream or coconut milk before serving.
• Extra veggies: Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for additional nutrients and flavor.
• Herb swap: If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or oregano also work well in this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, you can. Just be sure to cook the dried chickpeas beforehand until they are tender. This adds extra time to the recipe, but it works just as well.

2. How can I make the soup thicker?

Blending more of the soup or adding a little cornstarch slurry can thicken the soup to your liking.

3. Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be as rich. You can enhance it with extra seasonings or a bouillon cube.

4. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.

5. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Absolutely! Adding cubed potatoes will make the soup even heartier.

6. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Simply sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

7. What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or vegan garlic toast.

8. Can I make this soup oil-free?

Yes, you can sauté the vegetables in a small amount of water or broth instead of using oil.

9. Can I add other legumes?

Definitely! Lentils or white beans make great additions to this soup.

10. Can I store this soup in the freezer?

Yes, it freezes very well for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for any time of year. With its hearty chickpeas and rich garlic flavor, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Plus, with all the variations and tips provided, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers for a quick, healthy meal later in the week!

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