Description
Warm Mediterranean charm fills this chickpea potato soup, blending rustic comfort with nutritious ingredients. Hearty spoonfuls deliver rich flavors that invite you to savor each comforting bite of this wholesome Spanish-inspired classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 lb (450 g) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable stock
- 2 cups (75 g) baby spinach
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 2–3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped red onion, carrot, and celery for 7-8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized, developing deep flavor foundations.
- Introduce minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes to the softened vegetables. Stir briefly for 30-45 seconds until the garlic releases its fragrant essence.
- Add chickpeas and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the aromatic mixture. Pour in vegetable stock and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and allow the soup to cook for approximately 15 minutes. Verify potato tenderness by piercing with a fork.
- For enhanced creaminess, carefully remove several ladles of soup and puree until smooth. Return the blended portion to the pot, creating a rich, velvety texture.
- Incorporate fresh lemon juice and baby spinach into the soup. Allow spinach to delicately wilt for 1-2 minutes, maintaining its vibrant green color.
- Perform a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to taste. Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the overall flavor profile.
Notes
- Maximize flavor development by slowly caramelizing aromatics to create a deeper, richer soup base.
- Consider blending a portion of the soup for a creamy texture without adding dairy, making it perfect for vegan and lactose-intolerant diets.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting red chili flakes or adding alternative spices like smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Enhance nutritional value by experimenting with additional leafy greens like kale or swiss chard instead of spinach, providing more variety and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg