DREAMY GARLIC CHICKPEA SOUP

I remember shivering on a particularly blustery day, craving something warm and comforting, but also healthy and quick to make. I rummaged through my pantry and spotted a can of chickpeas, and an idea sparked! That’s how my love affair with Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup- Dreamy & Easy! began. Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true recipe so you can enjoy this incredibly satisfying and simple soup too!

Why You’ll Adore This Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup

Let’s be honest, sometimes we need a meal that’s both nutritious and ridiculously easy to throw together. This Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup is exactly that. It’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber, bursting with garlicky goodness, and requires minimal effort. Forget slaving over a hot stove for hours! This soup is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend lunches. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – easily adaptable to your own flavor preferences and dietary needs.

This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl. The creamy texture, combined with the savory garlic and earthy chickpeas, creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you feeling completely satisfied. It’s one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again, I promise!

Gather Your Ingredients for Dreamy Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is short and sweet:

• Olive Oil: Our trusty cooking oil, adding richness and flavor.
• Onion: Diced finely, it’s the aromatic foundation of our soup.
• Garlic: And lots of it! This is a garlic chickpea soup, after all. We’re talking minced garlic for maximum flavor impact.
• Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, are our star ingredient.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base. Chicken broth works beautifully too if you’re not vegetarian.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes our soup unbelievably creamy. For a lighter option, you can use coconut milk or cashew cream.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
• Spices: We’ll be using a simple blend of salt, pepper, and paprika. Feel free to get creative and add your own favorite herbs and spices.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, or a dollop of Greek yogurt are all fantastic additions.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup Perfection

Ready to dive in? Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of creamy, garlicky goodness in no time!

1. Sauté the Onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The onion should be fragrant and slightly golden.
2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. You’ll smell that amazing garlic aroma filling your kitchen!
3. Incorporate Chickpeas and Broth: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be extremely careful when blending hot liquids.
5. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Heat through gently, but do not boil. The soup should be luxuriously creamy and perfectly seasoned.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of paprika, if desired. A dollop of Greek yogurt adds a lovely tanginess.

Success Tips for the Best Chickpea Soup Ever

Want to ensure your soup is a guaranteed success? Here are my top tips:

• Don’t Skimp on the Garlic: Seriously, the more garlic, the better! This is what gives the soup its signature flavor.
• Rinse Those Chickpeas: Draining and rinsing the canned chickpeas removes excess sodium and helps prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Seasoning is key! Be sure to taste the soup as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and paprika to your liking.
• Control the Creaminess: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth. For a thicker soup, blend a handful of the chickpeas before adding the broth.
• Get Creative with Garnishes: Garnishes not only make the soup look more appealing but also add extra flavor and texture. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and toppings to find your favorite combination.

Variations to Make It Your Own

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version.

Spice It Up!

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick. A swirl of harissa paste would also be delicious. If you’re a fan of spicy food, this is a great way to customize the soup to your taste.

Add Some Greens

Stir in some chopped spinach, kale, or chard during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor. This is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Make It Vegan

Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a delicious vegan option. You won’t even miss the dairy!

Boost the Veggies

Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for a heartier soup. Sauté them along with the onion for a deeper flavor.

Herby Goodness

Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a more complex flavor profile. Add them to the pot along with the garlic.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s also fantastic served with:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up all that creamy goodness.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic comfort food pairing.
• Side Salad: A light and refreshing complement to the rich soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Adds another layer of flavor and texture.

For a truly satisfying meal, consider serving this soup alongside a hearty salad or a simple sandwich. It’s also a wonderful starter for a larger dinner party.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out if it has thickened in the refrigerator.

Freezing: While this soup can be frozen, the texture may change slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, it’s best to blend the soup *before* adding the cream. Add the cream after thawing and reheating. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.

More Soup Inspiration

If you’re a soup lover like me, be sure to check out some of my other favorite soup recipes. For example, the WHITE CHICKEN CHILI is a hearty and flavorful choice that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Or, if you’re craving something creamy and comforting, the CREAMY VEGETABLE SOUP is a must-try! And for those who love a set-it-and-forget-it meal, the CROCK POT CRACK SOUP is always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget the CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and the CREAMY CHICKEN RICE recipe. These soups are all easy to make and packed with flavor!

The Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Here’s the full recipe, ready for you to print and keep handy:

Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup – Dreamy & Easy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to your taste!)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for vegan)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, a dollop of Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth (be careful with hot liquids!).
5. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:

• For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for a heartier soup.
• If you’re freezing the soup, blend it before adding the cream. Add the cream after thawing and reheating.

Final Thoughts: Soup’s On!

There you have it – my secret recipe for the most incredible Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup- Dreamy & Easy! It’s a recipe I truly cherish and one I know you’ll love just as much as I do. From the simple ingredients to the quick cooking time, this soup is a weeknight winner. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience a bowl of pure comfort. Trust me, you’ll be making this soup again and again!

Dreamy Garlic Chickpea Soup

This Creamy Garlic Chickpea Soup is a quick, easy, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with plant-based protein and bursting with garlicky flavor, it’s a satisfying and versatile recipe that can be adapted to your preferences.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 2025

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for vegan
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, a dollop of Greek yogurt

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth (be careful with hot liquids!).
6. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
7. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for a heartier soup. If you’re freezing the soup, blend it before adding the cream. Add the cream after thawing and reheating. Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out if it has thickened in the refrigerator.