Recipe: Chickpea and Spinach Soup
Introduction: This hearty chickpea and spinach soup is a perfect comfort food that’s both filling and nutritious. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, fresh spinach, and a medley of vegetables, it’s an easy, wholesome meal that’s full of flavor. A touch of lemon and thyme adds a refreshing, aromatic twist to the dish. This vegan and gluten-free soup makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chickpeas (if using dried): Soak the dried chickpeas in water overnight. Drain and rinse them before cooking. In a large pot, bring the chickpeas to a boil with 4 cups of water. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the carrots and potato: Stir in the diced carrots and potato and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Simmer the soup: Add the vegetable broth, cumin, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the chickpeas and spinach: Stir in the cooked chickpeas and chopped spinach. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
- Finish the soup: Remove the bay leaf and add the lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve warm with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.
Enjoy your hearty, nourishing chickpea and spinach soup! Perfect for cozy nights or a healthy meal any time of the year.