If you are craving a comforting, hearty bowl of goodness that is both nourishing and bursting with flavor, you have to try this Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe. It’s a vibrant and cozy soup that masterfully balances simple pantry staples like chickpeas, garlic, and potatoes, enhanced by warming herbs and spices. Each spoonful offers a velvety texture and a subtle kick that will quickly make this your go-to whenever you want a quick, wholesome meal with a punch of garlicky happiness. Trust me, once you make this at home, it will become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this soup plays a starring role without any fuss — they come together beautifully to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From creamy chickpeas to fragrant herbs, each component is simple yet essential to elevating this dish.
- Olive oil: Adds rich depth and a smooth base for sautéing garlic.
- Garlic cloves: The soul of the recipe, providing that irresistible garlicky aroma and flavor.
- Paprika: Infuses a gentle smokiness and warmth that brightens the soup.
- Dried rosemary: Brings a fragrant, piney note that complements the chickpeas perfectly.
- Dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness and a delicate herbal touch.
- Chili flakes: Offer just the right amount of heat to awaken your palate.
- Chickpeas: The creamy, protein-packed heart of the soup, delivering satisfying texture.
- Potato: Provides natural creaminess and helps thicken the soup without dairy.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid backbone that brings all ingredients together.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
How to Make Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Create a Creamy Chickpea Base
Start by pouring one can of chickpeas along with its liquid into your blender. Purée these until smooth and velvety. This step is the secret to giving the soup a luscious texture without using any cream or dairy products.
Step 2: Infuse the Pot with Garlicky Goodness
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about a minute. This stage releases the amazing fragrance of garlic that will form the heart of the soup’s flavor.
Step 3: Mix in the Rest of Your Ingredients
To the pot, add your puréed chickpeas, the drained chickpeas from the second can, and the diced potato. Sprinkle in paprika, dried rosemary, thyme, chili flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Give everything a good stir to let the spices mingle.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir again. Place a lid on your pot, turn the heat up to medium-high, and bring the soup to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes, giving it an occasional stir to keep things even and to allow the potatoes to soften beautifully.
Step 5: Season and Adjust
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt to your preference. Keep in mind that the broth’s saltiness varies, so start light and add more if needed.
Step 6: Serve with a Finishing Touch
When serving, add a fresh grind of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil on top if you fancy. This final flourish enhances the dish’s richness and presentation. Don’t forget to pair it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop!
How to Serve Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top bring brightness and eye appeal to each bowl. A swipe of vegan yogurt or a few toasted pumpkin seeds add lovely texture contrasts and extra creaminess.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread, garlic naan, or even pita chips for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the warmth and heartiness of the soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or in rustic ceramic mugs for a cozy vibe. Adding swirls of chili oil or a drizzle of basil pesto turns the humble chickpea soup into an eye-catching starter or light meal that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe keeps very well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some headspace as the soup will expand slightly.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of vegetable broth or water if it’s too thick after thawing. Microwave reheating works well too, but stir midway to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just soak them overnight and cook them fully before starting the recipe. Using dried chickpeas can add an extra layer of flavor and texture but remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a gentle, warming heat thanks to the chili flakes, but it’s easy to adjust the spice level. Omit or reduce chili flakes if you prefer a milder version.
Can I substitute the potato with something else?
Yes, sweet potatoes or carrots would work nicely and add a slight natural sweetness while still giving that creamy thickness.
What can I use if I don’t have vegetable broth?
Water can be used in a pinch, but adding some extra herbs and salt will help boost the flavor when broth isn’t available.
How do I make this soup thicker if it’s too thin?
Simmer it uncovered for a while longer to reduce the liquid, or add a small handful of blended cooked potatoes or more puréed chickpeas to thicken it up naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe is such a delightful, fuss-free way to enjoy a warm, filling meal that feels homemade and wholesome. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to serve guests. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do — it truly is a comforting hug in a bowl that you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
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Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup Recipe
This vegan garlic chickpea soup is a hearty and flavorful plant-based meal perfect for a quick and nutritious lunch or dinner. It combines creamy puréed chickpeas with tender potato and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, all simmered together for 25 minutes to develop rich flavors. Drizzled with olive oil and served warm, this soup is comforting, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas
- 1 (6oz-180 grams) large potato, diced
- 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Purée Chickpeas: Pour one can of chickpeas including its liquid into a blender and purée until smooth to create a creamy base for the soup.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Ingredients: Add the puréed chickpeas, the drained second can of chickpeas, diced potato, paprika, rosemary, dried thyme, chili flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and stir again. Cover the pot with a lid, increase heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld and potatoes soften.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and additional pepper if needed. The recipe suggests about ¼ teaspoon salt, but adjust based on broth saltiness.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper. Pair with crusty bread for the perfect accompaniment.
Notes
- You can substitute dried herbs with fresh herbs, but add them later in the cooking process to preserve flavor.
- For a creamier texture, blend all chickpeas before adding to the pot.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt content.
- This soup stores well refrigerated for 2-3 days and freezes perfectly for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan