Pin It A hearty, aromatic French-inspired soup featuring tender chickpeas, fragrant rosemary, and a medley of vegetables. Perfect for a warming lunch or light dinner.
This recipe quickly became a favorite when I wanted something nourishing yet simple to prepare on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Legumes: 1 cup (200 g) dried chickpeas
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 2 medium carrots, diced, 2 celery stalks, diced, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 large tomato, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- Aromatics & Herbs: 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary), 2 bay leaves, 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Liquid: 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable broth
- Seasoning: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Quick-Soak Chickpeas:
- Place dried chickpeas in a large saucepan, cover with plenty of water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat, cover, and let soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before using.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and rosemary:
- Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add soaked chickpeas and other ingredients:
- Add soaked chickpeas, chopped tomato, bay leaves, and vegetable broth. Stir in salt and pepper.
- Simmer Soup:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, or until chickpeas are tender.
- Finish:
- Remove bay leaves and rosemary sprigs. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Pin It This soup always brings the family together, warming our hearts as much as our bellies on cold days.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a Parmesan rind during simmering (remove before serving). Pair with crusty French bread and a light Sauvignon Blanc.
Required Tools
Large soup pot, saucepan, wooden spoon, knife and cutting board, ladle
Allergen Information
Contains no common allergens. If adding Parmesan rind, note the presence of milk (dairy).
Pin It Enjoy this flavorful, nutritious soup as a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I speed up chickpea soaking?
Boil chickpeas for 5 minutes then let them soak covered for 1 hour to reduce soaking time while ensuring tenderness.
- → Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary works well as a substitute for 2 fresh sprigs, maintaining aromatic flavor.
- → What vegetables complement this dish?
Onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and tomatoes enhance the soup’s depth, providing sweetness and savory notes.
- → How can I make the soup creamier?
Partially blending the soup with an immersion blender creates a smoother, creamier texture without adding dairy.
- → What dishes pair well with this soup?
Crusty French bread and a light Sauvignon Blanc are excellent accompaniments, enhancing the soup’s rustic character.