This soothing, comforting and healthy chickpea soup will warm your heart and fill your tummy! It’s a load of love flavored with lots of lime, cilantro and spiced up with chilli flakes. This authentic winter Turkish street food recipe you can’t miss! Simple as can be, yet as comforting as can be! It’s one of my favorite chickpea recipes!
It’s hard to believe how this combo of just a few, simple ingredients can yield such an insanely delicious recipe. I can’t urge you enough to make this one! 🙂 Full Recipe Video below!! This is an old family recipe that my grandpa used to make all winter long.
What is Chickpea Soup
A deeply comforting Mediterranean chickpea soup made with garlic, olive oil, cumin, some tomatoes, and tender chickpeas simmered in a rich aromatic broth. This rustic soup is naturally vegetarian, protein rich, incredibly nourishing, and packed with authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Unlike heavier cream based soups, this chickpea soup relies on slowly cooked garlic, chickpea broth, olive oil, and warm spices laced with lots of lime juice and fresh herbs. The result is a hearty yet light soup that feels wholesome, satisfying, and vibrant.
This one pot, easy Chickpea Soup is beyond delicious, it’s pure LOVE.
Why You’ll LOVE Chickpea Soup
- It’s budget friendly and nutrient dense
- Naturally high in protein and fiber
- Comforting without feeling overly heavy
- Easy to customize
- Works as a starter or full meal
- Like many beans, this recipe is naturally gluten-free
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chickpeas. The hearty chickpeas are the hero of this recipe and pantry staple. Dried chickpeas offers the best texture and flavor, while canned chickpeas are more convenient and faster to cook.
- Onion. This infuses the chickpeas and broth with flavor, we use a large yellow onion to maintain the clear broth color.
- Garlic. For a strong aroma and punch that’s much needed.
- Tomatoes. you can use tomato paste, fresh grated tomatoes or canned tomatoes.
- Veggies (optional). Carrots and sweet potato are often used for sweetness, while celery is used for flavor often and spinach for color. Authentically, no vegetables are added but we wanted to include them here for variation.
- Seasoning. Kosher salt and black pepper essentially, you can add cumin, paprika and dried coriander along with red pepper flakes. Oregano, fresh basil are Mediterranean classics but not part of this recipe authentically.
- Liquid and Olive oil. Broth or water to cook and create a soup, and olive oil.
- Topping. This is optional, but this soup recipe is always served with lots of fresh herbs, lime juice and fresh chilies on top.
I wish I could take credit for coming up with such a simple recipe, but the truth is it’s classic Turkish and Egyptian winter street food!
I remember when I was a kid and visited my grandparents in winter, this chickpea soup would be sold at every corner. It’s like the food trucks in NYC. It was like food for the soul. Healthy, filling, delicious, melt in your mouth chickpeas, flavorful, comforting and seriously soothing.
Every time I crave it now, I make it at home. It comforts me, and it takes me back to those memories. 🙂
How to Make Chickpea Soup
First of all, cook your chickpeas with a whole onion, peeled. If you have an instant pot, slow cooker, pressure cooker, dutch oven, any of those work fabulously!
If not, you can cook the chickpeas on your good old stove. The onion here adds a nice depth of flavor to the chickpeas, but not a strong one. So it’s important to leave the onion whole, not sliced or chopped.
Once the chickpeas are cooked, you’ll drain them and save the water. In the same soup pot, you’ll sauté plenty of garlic in some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in fresh grated tomatoes or crushed canned tomatoes, some cumin.
Pour in the chickpea water. Finally, you’ll add the chickpeas and let them simmer in this garlic tomato broth for at least half an hour.
Serve the Soup
Now for the final step: Squirt in some lime juice, throw in some fresh chopped parsley and cilantro, and finish off with some chopped green chilli or jalapeños.
While the spicy chilli is absolutely optional, I highly recommend it! You probably need just a small hint of spice, no more.
Now you’re in for a treat!! Just one sip and you get all these amazing flavors with creamy, smooth cooked chickpeas.
Another thing, if you’re one of those people who feel chickpeas are bland. First of all, how? And second of all, here’s the good news—you will LOVE this chickpea soup recipe!! 🙂
Now if you’re a chickpea person, then you’ll be BLOWN away by this one 🙂 Give it a try and ENJOY 🙂
Expert Tips for Chickpea Soup
- The sliced green chili and chopped cilantro on top are absolutely optional, yet I highly recommend it as it just rounds up the whole dish and adds just the right amount of heat!
- As a shortcut, you can cook the dried chickpeas in an instant pot but it also works on a traditional stovetop.
- If you didn’t find any fresh limes, use lemon juice instead but don’t leave this part out as it adds a wonderful freshness and pleasant acidity which is essential to this chickpea soup.
- Blend only part of the soup in a blender if you’d like a contrast of texture.
- Add lemon at the end to preserve brightness
- Soup tastes even better after resting
Chickpea Soup Variations
- Mediterranean Chickpea Soup: Lemon based with herbs and olive oil
- Creamy Chickpea Soup: blended but without cream, for extra creaminess add a touch of cream
- Spicy Chickpea Soup: Chili flakes or harissa are added towards the end
- Vegetarian Chickpea Soup: Built entirely on aromatics and legumes
- Chicken Chickpea Soup: Added protein and deeper broth flavor
- Best for meal prep: This soup version holds well for meal prep
Serving Suggestions
- With crusty bread like our Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Alongside salads and proteins
Chickpea Soup vs Lentil Soup
- Chickpea is creamier, chunkier
- Lentil soup is usually softer, earthier
Is Chickpea Soup Good For You?
Yes, Yes and Yes! Oh and can I say Yes!! Lots of protein and fibre are found naturally in chickpeas. Vitamins and minerals too. I would say my favorite reason to eat chickpea soup is that it’s filling.
Seriously filling that you won’t miss any meat or chicken. And you won’t miss the carbs either! It’s really comfort food that fills you up.
Storage, Freezing and Reheating
- Leftovers store very well in an airtight container in the fridge
- Flavor improves over time for the leftover chickpea soup
- Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well
- Reheating: Reheat gently with extra liquid if needed
Why Do I have Bland Soup
Your soup needs extra acid, salt, herbs or olive oil
What if It’s Too Thick
Add extra broth gradually especially if you’re blending that soup.
How about if It’s Too Thin
Blend more chickpeas, and if you’re not blending, evaporate some of the broth.
Why Does it Have a Grainy Texture
In this case, the chickpeas are undercooked
What if I taste a Bitter Taste
You have probably over cooked garlic or spices and they burned early.
Can I boil Canned Chickpeas?
While my recipe calls for dry chickpeas that are cooked from scratch, you can definitely make this with two cans of chickpeas. Since canned chickpeas are already cooked, you’ll only be boiling them to infuse the flavor of the broth. More on making this recipe using canned chickpeas below!
Should I Cook Canned Chickpeas?
No, they’re fully cooked and today we’re only boiling them to infuse flavors.
Can I overcook Chickpeas?
If you’re using canned chickpeas, I would say no. However if you’re using dried chickpeas and cooking them from scratch, then you may end up overcooking them. That’s probably one of the rare times an overcooked thing is a good thing! It will just be melt in your mouth soft, which is luscious!
How to Make This Chickpea Soup Using Canned Chickpeas:
If you don’t have dried chickpeas, or if you’re rushed on time. Follow these steps:
- Drain two cans of chickpeas and rinse them under water in a sieve.
- Proceed with the recipe where you see the chickpeas removed and set aside from the pot.
- So you’ll start by sauteing the garlic, adding tomatoes, chickpeas and instead of the chickpea water, you’ll add vegetable broth.
- Allow the chickpea soup to boil as per the recipe and finish off with the line, cilantro, green chillies and serve!
Chickpea Recipes
- Best Roasted Chickpeas Wrap
- Roast Lamb And Chickpeas
- Spicy Vegan Chickpea Moroccan Couscous
- Moroccan Lamb and Turmeric Lentil Soup
- Fall Harvest Bowl with Lamb Meatballs Recipe
Soothing Garlic Chickpea Soup
This easy, one-pot Soothing Garlic Chickpea Soup recipe is beyond delicious. Picture melt in your mouth cooked chickpeas in a garlicky tomato broth and finished off with plenty of lime juice, fresh cilantro, and some chili peppers.
Ingredients
Chickpea Soup:
- 2 cups raw chickpeas
- 1 small onion peeled and left whole
- 5 cups water more or less depending on how you’ll cook the chickpeas
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt more or less to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup crushed tomatoes or 1 cup of grated fresh tomatoes
Topping:
- 1 lime juiced
- Fresh chopped parsley and cilantro
- Green chili or jalapeños chopped
- Chili flakes optional
Instructions
-
Cook the chickpeas with the water and the whole onion until the chickpeas are soft and melt in your mouth. You can cook the chickpeas in the stovetop, slow cooker, instant pot, pressure cooker or any way you prefer. Salt the chickpeas when it’s cooked.
-
Strain the cooked chickpea, saving the chickpea water and discard the onion.
-
In the same pot, over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the garlic for a few minutes until nearly golden and add the tomatoes.
-
Stir the tomatoes for a minute until it warms up and then add in the cooked chickpeas, some of the reserved water and allow that to simmer for at least 30 minutes. Feel free to add extra water if you need and adjust the salt to your taste.
-
Serve the chickpea soup in glass cups and top with your favorite toppings! Enjoy 🙂
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
-
Expert Tips for Chickpea Soup
- The sliced green chili and chopped cilantro on top are absolutely optional, yet I highly recommend it as it just rounds up the whole dish and adds just the right amount of heat!
- As a shortcut, you can cook the dried chickpeas in an instant pot but it also works on a traditional stovetop.
- If you didn't find any fresh limes, use lemon juice instead but don't leave this part out as it adds a wonderful freshness and pleasant acidity which is essential to this chickpea soup.
- Blend only part of the soup in a blender if you'd like a contrast of texture.
- Add lemon at the end to preserve brightness
- Soup tastes even better after resting
Chickpea Soup Variations
- Mediterranean Chickpea Soup: Lemon based with herbs and olive oil
- Creamy Chickpea Soup: blended but without cream, for extra creaminess add a touch of cream
- Spicy Chickpea Soup: Chili flakes or harissa are added towards the end
- Vegetarian Chickpea Soup: Built entirely on aromatics and legumes
- Chicken Chickpea Soup: Added protein and deeper broth flavor
- Best for meal prep: This soup version holds well for meal prep
Serving Suggestions
- With crusty bread like our Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Alongside salads and proteins
Chickpea Soup vs Lentil Soup
- Chickpea is creamier, chunkier
- Lentil soup is usually softer, earthier
Is Chickpea Soup Good For You?
Yes, Yes and Yes! Oh and can I say Yes!! Lots of protein and fibre are found naturally in chickpeas. Vitamins and minerals too. I would say my favorite reason to eat chickpea soup is that it's filling.
Seriously filling that you won't miss any meat or chicken. And you won't miss the carbs either! It's really comfort food that fills you up.
Storage, Freezing and Reheating
- Leftovers store very well in an airtight container in the fridge
- Flavor improves over time for the leftover chickpea soup
- Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well
- Reheating: Reheat gently with extra liquid if needed
Why Do I have Bland Soup
Your soup needs extra acid, salt, herbs or olive oil
What if It's Too Thick
Add extra broth gradually especially if you're blending that soup.
How about if It's Too Thin
Blend more chickpeas, and if you're not blending, evaporate some of the broth.
Why Does it Have a Grainy Texture
In this case, the chickpeas are undercooked
What if I taste a Bitter Taste
You have probably over cooked garlic or spices and they burned early.
Can I boil Canned Chickpeas?
While my recipe calls for dry chickpeas that are cooked from scratch, you can definitely make this with two cans of chickpeas. Since canned chickpeas are already cooked, you'll only be boiling them to infuse the flavor of the broth. More on making this recipe using canned chickpeas below!
Should I Cook Canned Chickpeas?
No, they're fully cooked and today we're only boiling them to infuse flavors.
Can I overcook Chickpeas?
If you're using canned chickpeas, I would say no. However if you're using dried chickpeas and cooking them from scratch, then you may end up overcooking them. That's probably one of the rare times an overcooked thing is a good thing! It will just be melt in your mouth soft, which is luscious!
How to Make This Chickpea Soup Using Canned Chickpeas:
If you don't have dried chickpeas, or if you're rushed on time. Follow these steps:
- Drain two cans of chickpeas and rinse them under water in a sieve.
- Proceed with the recipe where you see the chickpeas removed and set aside from the pot.
- So you'll start by sauteing the garlic, adding tomatoes, chickpeas and instead of the chickpea water, you'll add vegetable broth.
- Allow the chickpea soup to boil as per the recipe and finish off with the line, cilantro, green chillies and serve!
Mmmmmmmm. I added some chopped avocado on top and just a few home made croutons. Next level!
This is my favorite soup. I did it yesterday according to your recipe. Everyone said it was delicious. I feel very happy. Thank you, your recipe is simple, easy to understand.his with many other flavors.
Thanks so much Thomas for letting me know! So happy you like it too!!
I love chickpeas, and this soup looks right up my alley. Saving to make asap.
Now this is the chickpea soup to save the recipe for – great looking, inviting and I am sure sooo delicious! Can’t wait to give this recipe a try!
This sounds like a warming and fulfilling soup. I love that it has the garlic flavour too, one of my favourite flavours.
You had me at garlicky tomato broth. This soothing garlic chickpea soup is sure to warm anyone up on a cold day.
Is there supposed to be cumin in the ingredients? I saw it in the instructions above but not in the actual recipe. Thanks! Making this right now!!
Hi Mahy!
I am Egyptian and this brings back the sweetest memories for me! If I cook the chickpeas in the crockpot, how long do you recommend cooking it for?
Oh YES the memories of Egypt!! 🙂 Happy to connect with you here! For the Crock-Pot I would cook the chickpeas for 2.5 hours after having them soak overnight.
can I used canned chickpeas
Yes you can use canned chickpeas for sure and replace the chickpea water with veggie stock, and to infuse the most flavor into the canned chickpeas, I would recommend boiling the soup for about 20-30 minutes extra 🙂
Sounds like a great recipe! Will be trying it. I love pulses. In regards to your comment about the cold and winter, I used to be a pretty sad person in the winter until I learned to embrace it. I also found this blog post on how Norwegians handle winter and I read it every year to keep focused… thought I’d share 🙂 http://mylittlenorway.com/2008/12/how-to-survive-the-dark-winters/
Thanks Lee Ann!
Great! I added carrots to the broth to boil, then reserved them, the onions and some of the chickpeas and puréed them for a thicker stock (I prefer creamier soups). Perfect for fall days!
What a terrific idea Kady! Thank you for updating me! Now I need to try your version 🙂
where is the recipe? I see the ingredient list but no recipe.
Hi Anne, I just fixed that! So sorry. Hope you make this soup 🙂