Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup: A Bright and Flavorful Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort
Get ready to warm up with a bowl of Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup, a deliciously bright and cozy dish that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying! This Mediterranean-inspired soup combines tender chickpeas with fresh spinach, fragrant dill, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice, bringing a vibrant twist to traditional comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or something fresh and light, this soup has got you covered.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup or 240ml)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960ml) vegetable broth (or water)
- 2 (15 oz or 425g) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
Essential Tools
- Large pot for cooking the soup
- Knife and cutting board for chopping veggies
- Immersion blender or regular blender for partial blending
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the diced carrots and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Add Broth and Chickpeas
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chickpeas, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the carrots to soften and the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Blend for Creaminess
For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chickpeas whole for texture. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Dill
Stir in the chopped spinach and fresh dill, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the flavors are well combined.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Thicken (Optional)
Stir in the lemon juice, which brings a lovely brightness to the soup. If you’d like a thicker consistency, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water, add it to the soup, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh dill and a lemon wedge for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve with warm crusty bread or pita for dipping!