Chickpea Soup
When I think of chickpea soup, memories of my dad flood my heart. It was one of dad’s favourites and mine too.
Isn’t it funny how a particular dish can transport you to particular moments in time. For me, when I cook this soup, I have strong memories of our family home in Brisbane, when I was studying at Uni. I was the only one living at home at the time and I was working part-time at our family restaurant. On a Saturday, we only opened for dinner at the restaurant and mum would often make this at home for for lunch. The three of us would sit at the table, Dad would have a glass of wine or two. There was always warm crusty bread and we’d eat and chat, and in that moment, that’s all I needed.
What I would do to have that meal one more time!
Chickpea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 white onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 840 grams cooked chickpeas (equivalent to two cans)
- 1/2 cup tomato or Passata
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 litre water
- handful fresh rosemary
Method
- Finely chop the onion and garlic and saute in saucepan with olive oil until becomes translucent.
- Add tomato passata to the pot and cook for three minutes.
- Strain the canned chickpeas, and add to the tomato, onion and garlic. Add the water, a generous teaspoon of salt and the fresh rosemary.
- Stir and bring the soup to boil.
- Once boiled, reduce to medium heat and let cook for 25 – 30 minutes.
- Once cooked, take one cup of the soup and blend in a food processor or high speed blender.
- Then add the blended soup back to the pot and cook another five minutes.
TIPS: As the chick peas you are using are already cooked, the cooking time may be less than 30 minutes. It really depends on the stove you are using and how rapidly it cooks. 30 minutes is an ideal time to create a flavoursome soup. Keep an eye on it as it cooks.
Always taste as you go – especially for salt. Some canned chick peas are salted so keep that in mind. You can add more salt at anytime, but if it’s too salty there is not much you can do to fix that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the addition of fresh rosemary bring to the flavour of the soup, and are there alternatives for those who may not have rosemary available?
Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic and herbaceous quality to the soup, enhancing its overall flavour. If rosemary is unavailable, you can substitute it with other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano, or use dried herbs such as Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence for a similar herbal touch.
How can individuals adjust the cooking time for the soup to achieve their desired flavour and texture, especially when using canned chickpeas?
The suggested cooking time of 25-30 minutes is ideal for creating a flavourful soup. However, as canned chickpeas are already cooked, the cooking time may be less. The key is to taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the cooking time based on your preference. Longer cooking times can help meld flavours, but if you prefer a quicker meal, you can reduce the cooking time accordingly.
Can you provide tips for ensuring the soup's seasoning, particularly with regard to salt, is just right?
Since some canned chickpeas are salted, it's important to taste the soup as you go and adjust the salt accordingly. Start with a modest amount of salt and add more if needed. It's easier to add more salt later than to correct an overly salty dish.
Is there a preferred type of bread or side to serve with this chickpea soup, and do you have any recommendations for enhancing the meal further?
Warm crusty bread is a classic choice to serve with chickpea soup, perfect for soaking up the delicious flavours. You can also garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley. Some people enjoy a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice to add an extra layer of flavour.
Is this chickpea soup suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions, such as being vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this chickpea soup is both vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions. It's a wholesome and hearty option that accommodates various dietary preferences.
