Garbanzo Bean Soup with Garlic, Sumac, Olive Oil, and Lemon
This delicious Garbanzo Bean Chickpea Soup with Garlic, Sumac, Olive Oil, and Lemon can be made in the slow cooker or on the stove, and either way you make it, this soup is amazing
This delicious Garbanzo Bean Chickpea Soup with Garlic, Sumac, Olive Oil, and Lemon can be made in the slow cooker or on the stove, and either way you make it, this soup is amazing
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups dried chickpeas
- 4 cups chicken stock (can also use vegetable stock for v
- 2 cups + 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon arlic (or less if you’re not a big garlic fan)
- 1-2 large bay leaves
- 1 tsp. ground cumin (i might use even more cumin next ti
- 1/4 tsp. salt (i used fine grind sea salt)
- olive oil for drizzling on finished soup
- powdered sumacâ (optional for sprinkling on finished soup, or use paprika)
- 1-2 lemons (optional for squeezing on finished soup)
- Carbohydrate 47.631135 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 4.53541 g
- Fiber 13.4214163937569 g
- Protein 14.6874916666667 g
- Saturated Fat 0.478076666666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (100g)
- Sodium 18.9273333333333 mg
- Sugar 34.2097186062431 g
- Trans Fat 1.02398333333333 g
- Calories 282 calories
Step-by-step
- Put beans, chicken stock, 2 cups water, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, cumin, salt, and pepper in crockpot.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until beans are very soft. (If you start with soaked beans, they will get softer more quickly, but it won’t hurt if you cook them all day if you’re not home to check.)
- After 7-8 hours, check the amount of liquid in the crockpot and see if you want to add more. (I cooked for 7 hours, added 1 cup hot water, and cooked 1 hour more.)
- When beans are very soft, remove bay leaves, then puree the soup either using an immersion blender, or in batches using a food process or blender. (If you use a food processor or blender, be careful not to overfill so the hot liquid doesn’t spill out.) You can puree completely like I did, or leave the soup a bit chunky.
- Serve hot. I drizzled each bowl of soup with olive oil, sprinkled on Sumac, and squeezed on fresh lemon juice.
- Put beans, chicken stock, 2 cups water, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, cumin, salt, and pepper in large soup pot. (For stovetop cooking, I would definitely soak the beans.)
- Bring to a low simmer and cook until beans are well-softened, checking the beans every 30 minutes or so and adding more water as needed. (Cooking time for dried beans depends on how fresh the beans are, so if you have beans which have been stored for a while it could take 2-3 hours for them to get soft, even with pre-soaked beans.)
- When beans are well-softened, check the amount of liquid and see if you want to add a bit more hot water before pureeing soup. (Stovetop cooking will probably take at least twice as much water as crockpot cooking.)
- Puree soup and serve with olive oil, Sumac, and lemon juice as described above.
My Simple, Flavorful Garbanzo Bean Soup
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook nutritious and delicious meals can be a real challenge. I'm always looking for recipes that are both satisfying and easy to prepare, even on my busiest days. This garbanzo bean soup has become a weeknight staple in our home, and it's so versatile! I love its bright, zesty flavor profile, and the fact that it can be made in either a slow cooker or on the stovetop makes it perfect for adapting to my schedule. Whether I'm rushing home from work or have a little more time on the weekend, I can always whip up a batch.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. The core ingredients – garbanzo beans, chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option), onion, garlic, and warming spices like cumin – combine to create a rich and deeply flavorful base. But it's the finishing touches that truly elevate this soup to something special. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of fragrant sumac (which adds a wonderful lemony-tart flavor), and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice all work together to create a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty beans. The sumac, in particular, is a game changer – it adds a depth and complexity that’s hard to find elsewhere.
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the amount of garlic to your liking – I’m a big garlic fan, but my husband prefers a slightly milder flavor. You can also experiment with other spices to create your own unique variations. A pinch of red pepper flakes would add a pleasant kick, or you could try adding some chopped carrots or celery for added texture. The possibilities are endless!
The slow cooker method is perfect for those busy weeknights when I don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Simply toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a warm, comforting meal ready to be enjoyed. The stovetop method is equally convenient and allows for more hands-on control during the cooking process. Either way, the result is a delicious and nutritious soup that's sure to become a family favorite. I often double the recipe and freeze half for a quick and easy weeknight meal later in the week.
Beyond its ease of preparation and delicious flavor, this soup is also incredibly versatile. It's perfect for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a satisfying snack. The leftovers make for a great addition to a packed lunch the next day. I often serve it with a crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, or with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. Honestly, I could eat this soup every day!
So, if you're looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make, and incredibly versatile soup recipe, give this garbanzo bean soup a try. It's sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. The vibrant colors, the enticing aroma, and the satisfying taste will quickly make it a go-to dish for any occasion, whether you're feeding your family or impressing guests. The best part? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. And it tastes like a million bucks.
I encourage you to experiment with this recipe and make it your own. Add your own favorite spices, herbs, or vegetables to create a truly personalized soup that reflects your unique taste. The possibilities are endless! And remember, good food is the best kind of self-care. So, take some time for yourself, and enjoy this delicious and healthy soup!
