Name: Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 6–8 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 large carrot, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 cans (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice; 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme); 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness); Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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This Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish that comes together quickly and easily. Packed with tender chickpeas, garlic, and savory seasonings, this soup is the perfect balance of simplicity and taste. It’s light yet filling, making it an ideal option for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is a great way to enjoy the earthy goodness of chickpeas while being loaded with garlic flavor and aromatic herbs. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your preferences, making it a go-to for healthy, flavorful meals with minimal effort.

Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil
Garlic, minced (about 6–8 cloves)
Onion, chopped
Carrot, chopped
Celery, chopped
Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
Vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Canned diced tomatoes
Dried thyme or fresh thyme
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper
Fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Stir in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to taste.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve warm, with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for extra nutrition.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a bit of heat.
Use fresh chickpeas: If you have dried chickpeas, soak and cook them in advance for an even heartier soup.
Blend it: For a creamier texture, blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender.
Add grains: Add a handful of cooked quinoa, rice, or farro for extra heartiness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it thickens.
This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic gives the soup a much richer, more aromatic flavor. Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the fresh garlic.

Can I use dried chickpeas?

Yes, if using dried chickpeas, soak and cook them in advance. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of dried chickpeas to make the equivalent of two 15-ounce cans.

Is this soup spicy?

The recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to suit your heat preference.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to throw in zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes for extra texture and flavor.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes work best. You can also use fresh tomatoes if they’re in season and diced them up yourself.

How do I make this soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup or add a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. Just let it cool and refrigerate.

Can I add protein?

To make it heartier, add protein like grilled chicken, cooked sausage, or beans like white beans or lentils.

Conclusion

Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup is a comforting, nutritious, and incredibly simple recipe that delivers on flavor and warmth. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a quick dinner, this soup is filling, satisfying, and full of wholesome ingredients. You can also easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Jane