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.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole head of garlic (about 10–12 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: roasted garlic, chickpea soup, creamy soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, gluten free, plant based, warm soup