Lemony Chickpea Soup

🥣 Recipe: Lemony Chickpea Soup

• Prep time: 10 mins

• Cook time: 20 mins

• Servings: 4

• Dietary: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

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

• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric (for color and health)

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1.5 lemons)

• 2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional)

• Salt & Black Pepper to taste

• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic, oregano, and turmeric; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Simmer: Pour in the chickpeas and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes to let the flavors marry.

3. The Secret Step: Use an immersion blender to pulse the soup 3–4 times. You don’t want a puree; you just want to crush about 25% of the chickpeas to thicken the broth. (If you don’t have one, scoop out 1 cup of the soup, blend it in a regular blender, and pour it back in).

4. Brighten: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the greens (if using). Let the greens wilt for 2 minutes.

5. Finish: Season generously with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.

💡 Notes & Tips

• Lemon is Key: Always use fresh lemon. Bottled juice lacks the essential oils and “zing” that make this dish pop.

• Broth Quality: Since there are few ingredients, use a high-quality vegetable broth or a “no-chicken” bouillon for deeper flavor.

• The Sizzle: If you want an extra layer of flavor, fry some red pepper flakes in a little olive oil and drizzle it over the bowl before serving.

🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

✨ Benefits

• Plant-Based Protein: Keeps you full and satisfied without the heaviness of meat.

• Digestive Health: High fiber content supports a happy gut.

• Immune Boost: The combination of garlic, turmeric, and Vitamin C from the lemon is a powerhouse for your immune system.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I add grains to this? A: Absolutely. Orzo or pearl couscous work beautifully. Just add an extra cup of broth if you cook the pasta directly in the soup, as it will soak up the liquid.

Q: How long does it last in the fridge? A: It tastes even better the next day! It stays fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze it? A: Yes. Since there’s no dairy, it freezes and thaws perfectly. Just leave the fresh herbs off until you reheat it.