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Creamy Roasted Garlic Chickpea Soup

Creamy Roasted Garlic Chickpea Soup

Creamy Roasted Garlic Chickpea Soup is a rich and nourishing dish that combines the sweet, mellow flavor of roasted garlic with smooth, protein-packed chickpeas. This comforting vegan soup is simple to prepare with pantry staples and offers a creamy texture perfect for any season. It is versatile, healthy, and easily customizable to suit various dietary preferences and flavor profiles.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 whole head of garlic (about 1012 cloves), peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Optional Ingredients and Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red chili flakes or cayenne pepper (for a spicy twist)
  • Spinach or kale (a handful, blended in for green goodness)
  • 1 tablespoon tahini (for added creaminess)
  • Herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil (to infuse flavor)
  • Drizzle of olive oil (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic: Drizzle whole garlic cloves with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap them in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes until golden and soft. This step brings out the sweet, nutty flavor central to the soup.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: While garlic is roasting, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and sweet, releasing natural sugars that create the soup base.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the roasted garlic cloves (squeezed out of their skins), chickpeas, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and deepen.
  4. Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Puree until smooth and creamy, transforming the hearty chickpeas and roasted garlic into a luscious texture.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Stir in fresh lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

  • Roast the garlic thoroughly to develop a deep, mellow flavor—undercooked garlic will be sharp and overpowering.
  • Use fresh or well-rinsed canned chickpeas for the best texture.
  • Maintain a gentle simmer to enhance flavor without breaking down ingredients excessively.
  • Blend the soup thoroughly for a smooth, decadent texture.
  • Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth or water if too thick, or simmer longer to thicken if too thin.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted garlic, chickpea soup, creamy soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, gluten free, plant based, warm soup