Hearty Spanish Chickpea and Vegetable Soup
This comforting Spanish Chickpea Soup, inspired by traditional Mediterranean flavors, combines the earthiness of chickpeas with the sweetness of sautéed onions and carrots. Often prepared in Spanish homes when fresh chickpeas are in season, this recipe adapts to the availability of dried or canned chickpeas, making it accessible year-round. Perfect as a nourishing meal on chilly days, this soup is enriched with lemon juice for brightness, making it a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that warms the heart.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
onions
2 medium (finely chopped)
carrot
1 large (chopped)
chickpeas
2 1/2 cups (cooked (or canned, well rinsed and drained))
vegetable stock
2-3 cups (enough to cover)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
bay leaf
1 (none)
butter
1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons (none)
lemon juice
3 - 4 tablespoons (to taste)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over low heat until shimmering.
2
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté gently, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized (about 10-15 minutes).
3
Stir in the chopped carrot and cooked chickpeas, and continue sautéing for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
4
Pour in enough vegetable stock to cover the mixture, bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat.
5
Once boiling, add salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for approximately 35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally, adding water if necessary to maintain desired consistency.
6
After simmering, remove the bay leaf and blend the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth. Adjust the texture as desired by mixing to a chunky or creamy consistency.
7
Return the blended soup to the saucepan and stir in the butter and lemon juice, adjusting to taste. Allow the soup to heat through on low.
8
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra lemon slices or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
3.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Spanish Chickpea and Vegetable Soup?
It is a comforting Mediterranean-inspired soup that combines chickpeas, caramelized onions, carrots, and vegetable stock, finished with lemon juice for brightness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetable stock and is specifically tagged as vegetarian.
How many calories are in a serving?
This soup contains 150 calories per serving.
Can I use canned chickpeas for this soup?
Yes, you can use 2.5 cups of canned chickpeas as long as they are well rinsed and drained.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
The finely chopped onions should be sautéed gently for about 10 to 15 minutes until soft and caramelized.
What type of stock should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 cups of vegetable stock, or enough to cover the ingredients.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for approximately 35 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf?
Yes, the bay leaf should be removed after simmering and before blending the soup.
What is the recommended texture for the soup?
You can blend the soup until smooth or adjust the texture to a chunky consistency based on your preference.
When do I add the lemon juice?
Stir in the lemon juice at the end, after blending the soup and returning it to the saucepan.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving contains 5g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The soup contains 5g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the soup?
The recipe provides 3.75g of fiber per serving.
What is the best way to blend the soup?
You can use either an immersion blender directly in the pot or a regular blender.
Why is butter added at the end?
Butter is stirred in at the end to add richness and flavor before serving.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 medium onions, finely chopped.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The main vegetables used are onions and a large carrot.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, Mediterranean-inspired dish.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can add water during the simmering process to maintain your desired consistency.
How many carrots should I prepare?
The recipe calls for 1 large carrot, chopped.
Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas as long as they are cooked before being added to the soup.
What are some suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the soup with extra lemon slices or a drizzle of olive oil.
How much lemon juice should I add?
The recipe suggests 3 to 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, adjusted to your personal taste.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as an easy recipe.
What temperature should I use for sautéing the onions?
Onions should be sautéed over low heat to allow them to caramelize properly.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of butter.
What seasoning is used?
The soup is seasoned with salt, pepper, and one bay leaf.
What makes this soup Spanish in style?
It is inspired by traditional Mediterranean flavors and the seasonal use of chickpeas common in Spanish homes.