Hearty Rustic Chickpea & Vegetable Soup 🍲🌿

Country Chickpea Soup Recipe 🌿🥣

Introduction 🍲

Are you looking to keep warm and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal? Our Country Chickpea Soup is an old country favorite that’s sure to bring comfort and satisfaction to your table. This soup features large conch pasta, a variety of vegetables, and aromatic herbs, making it not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a filling lunch, this recipe is a must-try for any soup lover. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to create this delightful dish.

Preparation and Cooking Times ⏱️

Description 📝

Looking to keep warm? This soup is an old country favorite with large conch pasta and vegetables. It is also so easy to make.

Recipe Category 🍅

Vegetable

Keywords 🌍

European, Stove Top, < 4 Hours

Ingredients List 🛒

1. Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
2. Carrots: 2, diced
3. Celery: 2 stalks, diced
4. Onion: 1, chopped
5. Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
6. Cannellini beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
7. Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), diced
8. Fresh rosemary: 2 sprigs
9. Garlic clove: 2, minced
10. Rosemary: 1 teaspoon, chopped (for garnish)
11. Parmesan cheese: 1-2 tablespoons, grated (optional)
12. Romano cheese: 1-2 tablespoons, grated (optional)

Nutritional Information 🍽️

Serving Information 🍽️

• Servings: Variable
• Yield: Variable

Instructions 🥄

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and chopped onion. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant. 🥕🧅

2. Add Beans and Tomatoes:

   • Stir in the chickpeas and cannellini beans, making sure they are well combined with the vegetables. Add the diced tomatoes, and continue stirring for a few more minutes. 🍅🫘

3. Add Stock and Seasonings:

   • Pour in 2 cups of vegetable stock (or chicken stock if preferred). Add the sprigs of fresh rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil. 🌿🧄

4. Simmer the Soup:

   • Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and let it cook for about 1 hour, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. ⏲️

5. Add Pasta and Remaining Stock:

   • After an hour, add the remaining stock and the large conch pasta to the saucepan. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil again. 🍲

6. Cook the Pasta:

   • Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the pasta for 7-8 minutes, or until it is al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta to keep it from becoming mushy. 🍝

7. Finish and Garnish:

   • Remove the sprigs of rosemary from the soup. Sprinkle chopped rosemary leaves over the soup for an extra burst of flavor. If desired, top with grated Parmesan and Romano cheese. 🧀

8. Serve:

   • Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy the rich and hearty flavors of this comforting Country Chickpea Soup. 🥣

Tips and Variations 🌟

• Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and add more flavors.
• Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of rosemary, try substituting it with thyme or oregano for a different aromatic twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version of this soup.
• Protein Boost: For added protein, you can include cooked chicken or sausage.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the pasta, or stir in some cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

• Crusty Bread: Serve this hearty soup with a slice of crusty bread or a baguette to soak up all the delicious broth.
• Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a well-rounded meal.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir, would complement this dish beautifully.

Storing and Reheating 🍲

• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a little extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts 💭

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, especially one that’s packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor. Our Country Chickpea Soup is a testament to the power of simple, wholesome cooking. The combination of tender vegetables, hearty beans, and flavorful herbs creates a symphony of taste that is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, grab your apron and get ready to make a soup that warms the body and soul. Happy cooking! 🍲🌿👩‍🍳

Enjoy your delightful culinary creation and share the warmth with loved ones! Bon appétit! 😋