Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add chickpeas, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Use a spoon or potato masher to gently mash some of the chickpeas to thicken the soup.
- Stir in lemon juice and optional red pepper flakes.
- If using spinach or kale, add and cook until wilted.
- Remove bay leaf and serve hot with crusty bread or toppings of choice.
Notes
- Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamier texture.
- Add smoked paprika or cumin for a flavor boost.
- Stir in a splash of coconut milk for richness.
- Great with added pasta, rice, or potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg