Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup

This Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or something cozy to share with friends, this soup is both creamy and full of flavor. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
• Creamy Texture: Thanks to the chickpeas and potatoes, this soup offers a satisfying creaminess without any dairy.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas, it’s a healthy option that keeps you full.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily switch up the herbs or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping for the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Blender
• Pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Blender: A good blender ensures that your chickpeas are puréed smoothly, creating that irresistible creamy texture.
• Pot: A sturdy pot allows for even cooking and helps in simmering the soup to perfection.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

This vegan garlic chickpea soup is not only fast and easy, but it’s also super creamy, vegan and delicious. Made from a handful of basic ingredients, including chickpeas, garlic, potatoes, dried herbs, it comes together in less than 30 minutes. Quantities yield 3 portions (about 1 ⅓ cup each) or 4 small servings (1 cup each).

For the Soup

• 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp chili flakes
• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas
• 1 (6oz-180 grams) large potato, diced
• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

How to Make Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup

Step 1: Purée the Chickpeas

Firstly, pour one of the cans of chickpeas with its liquid into a blender and purée until smooth.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the puréed chickpeas along with the second can of drained chickpeas, diced potato, paprika, rosemary, thyme, chili flakes, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir well to combine. Then pour in the vegetable broth and stir again.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Cover the pot with a lid. Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for about 25 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Taste the soup after simmering and adjust seasoning according to your preference. Depending on your broth’s salt content, you may want to add about ¼ tsp of salt.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve hot with freshly ground pepper on top and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Don’t forget some crusty bread for dipping!

How to Serve Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup

Vegan garlic chickpea soup is a versatile and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a comforting dinner, here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Artisan Loaf: A thick slice of warm artisan bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread brings out the flavors of the garlic in the soup and adds a delightful crunch.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Cilantro: For a different flavor profile, cilantro can bring a bright note to the dish.

Include a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens: A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: A vegan Caesar salad pairs well, adding a zesty contrast to the creamy soup.

Garnish Creatively

• Lemon Zest: Grating some lemon zest over the soup enhances its brightness and freshness.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices provide an extra layer of texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup

Perfecting your vegan garlic chickpea soup can enhance its flavors and texture. Here are some tips to ensure you make the best version possible.

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor compared to pre-minced options.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preference.
• Blend Smoothly: Make sure to blend until completely smooth for a creamier texture; this can be adjusted by adding more broth if needed.
• Incorporate Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider adding spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cumin or coriander for additional depth of flavor.
• Serve Hot: Enjoy this soup hot for the best taste experience; reheating may alter its creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup

Pairing side dishes with your vegan garlic chickpea soup can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors well.

1. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and a hearty touch, making them an ideal side.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers protein and freshness alongside the soup.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with rice and beans for an extra filling option that works beautifully together.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring sweetness that balances the savory notes of the soup.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic pairing; try using vegan cheese for a delightful crunch alongside your soup.
6. Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus served with veggies or pita chips makes for an appealing appetizer before diving into the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring the Garlic: Sautéing garlic too long can lead to bitterness. Cook it just until fragrant for the best flavor.
• Overcooking the Potatoes: If you cut potatoes too small, they may become mushy. Aim for uniform dice for even cooking.
• Not Adjusting Seasoning: Each broth varies in saltiness. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end for optimal flavor.
• Skipping the Blend Step: Failing to purée one can of chickpeas results in a less creamy texture. Blending adds a delightful creaminess to the soup.
• Using Cold Broth: Adding cold broth can lower cooking temperature. Use room-temperature broth for quicker heating.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup

• Freeze in individual portions for easy defrosting later.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, ensuring excess air is removed.

Reheating Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Gently heat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup creamy?

The creaminess comes from blending one can of chickpeas into a smooth purée, which thickens the soup beautifully.

Can I add other vegetables to this Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to include spinach, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

How spicy is this Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili flakes. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat!

How nutritious is Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup?

This soup is rich in protein and fiber thanks to chickpeas and potatoes, making it both filling and healthy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors deepen when made ahead. Just store it properly and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup is a quick, delicious meal that offers great versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Give it a try; you’re sure to love its creamy texture and rich flavor!

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