Description
This Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup is a bright, tangy, and protein-packed Mediterranean-inspired dish ideal for summer lunches or light dinners. Featuring tender chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a refreshing zing of lemon, it’s healthy, vegan-friendly, and full of vibrant flavor. Perfect for meal prep or cozy family dinners, this soup combines simple ingredients for a nourishing and satisfying bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice and zest of 1–2 lemons (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Ingredients
- Spinach or kale
- Small pasta or grains (e.g., rice, quinoa)
- Vegan yogurt for creaminess
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook until tender.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Chickpeas and Broth: Stir in the cooked or canned chickpeas and pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Season Soup: Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend well.
- Add Lemon and Herbs: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon as desired.
- Optional Creaminess: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in, or add a spoonful of vegan yogurt.
- Serve: Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or croutons. Pair with crusty bread or a light salad to complete the meal.
Notes
- Taste as You Go: Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon gradually to achieve a balanced and bright flavor.
- Keep Greens Fresh: If adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking to preserve their color and nutrients.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Add fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Optional Add-ins: For a heartier soup, include cooked rice, quinoa, small pasta, or shredded chicken or turkey sausage.
- Texture Trick: Blend a portion of the soup to create creaminess without losing the texture of chickpea chunks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Keywords: lemony chickpea soup, Greek chickpea soup, Mediterranean soup, vegan soup, healthy summer soup, easy chickpea recipe, plant-based protein soup
