As the chill of autumn sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring the family together. Spinach and Chickpea Soup is a nutritious, comforting dish that fills the home with wonderful aromas, making it a perfect addition to your family meal rotation. Packed with protein from chickpeas and essential vitamins from spinach, this soup is not only satisfying but also a healthy option for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your table.
Wholesome Ingredients for Spinach and Chickpea Soup
A delicious soup begins with fresh, quality ingredients. For this Spinach and Chickpea Soup, you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp dried chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste (adjust amount if using salted broth)
- 2 – 540 ml cans chickpeas, (drained and rinsed well)
- 8 cups vegetable or low sodium chicken broth
- 8 cups baby spinach
- Juice of half a lime
- 2 tbsp each fresh parsley and cilantro, chopped (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a vibrant and flavorful soup that warms both the body and soul.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Soup
Cooking can be a joyful experience, especially when following clear and straightforward steps. Here is how to make your Spinach and Chickpea Soup:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare all the ingredients.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery; stir to combine.
- Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. If the vegetables start to brown, lower the heat.
- Add garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili flakes, and salt. Stir well and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
- Add drained and rinsed chickpeas; stir to coat them in the spices.
- Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes (check after a few minutes to ensure it isn’t boiling rapidly).
- (Optional) Partially puree the soup with a hand blender in 2 or 3 bursts or remove 2 cups of the soup, ensuring you scoop up some chickpeas and vegetables, and blend them in a blender or food processor. Add it back to the soup pot, aiming for creaminess, not a full puree.
- Add all of the spinach and stir. Let it simmer for 5 minutes or until the spinach wilts.
- Remove from heat and add fresh herbs (if using) and lime juice. Taste and add salt as needed.
With these easy steps, you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup ready for your family to enjoy.
Why Spinach and Chickpea Soup is Perfect for Family Meals
When planning family meals, it’s important to choose dishes that satisfy everyone’s taste buds while still being nutritious. Spinach and chickpeas are both great sources of essential nutrients.
- Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are high in protein and fiber, making them a filling component that kids and adults alike will love.
- Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and it adds a lovely color to the dish, encouraging even picky eaters to enjoy their greens.
Moreover, this soup is vegetarian-friendly, which makes it suitable for a variety of diets, ensuring everyone at the table has a delightful meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach and Chickpea Soup
How can I store leftover spinach and chickpea soup?
To store your Spinach and Chickpea Soup, allow it to cool down before pouring it into airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces to maintain a consistent texture in the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup in advance?
Yes, making this soup in advance is a great idea! The flavors deepen and meld together beautifully after sitting for a day in the refrigerator, making it even tastier when reheated.
How can I make Spinach and Chickpea Soup spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding more dried chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also incorporate fresh jalapeños or even add a spoonful of harissa for an extra kick!
For further recipes, visit cekerecipes for delightful inspirations!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spinach and Chickpea Soup is not only a warm and wholesome dish but also a family-friendly recipe that’s simple to make. Packed with nutrition and flavor, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and share the warmth of this delightful recipe with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
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Spinach and Chickpea Soup
A warm and nutritious spinach and chickpea soup, perfect for family meals.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp dried chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 2 – 540 ml cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 8 cups vegetable or low sodium chicken broth
- 8 cups baby spinach
- Juice of half a lime
- 2 tbsp each fresh parsley and cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all the ingredients.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery; stir to combine.
- Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili flakes, and salt. Stir well and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
- Add drained and rinsed chickpeas; stir to coat them in the spices.
- Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- (Optional) Partially puree the soup with a hand blender or remove 2 cups to blend and add it back for creaminess.
- Add all of the spinach and stir. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Remove from heat and add fresh herbs and lime juice. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Notes
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg