Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite cozy creation: *Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup*! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, bursting with flavor and good-for-you ingredients. Seriously, every time I make this soup, the fragrant aroma of fresh basil and sautéed garlic fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but feel excited! The chickpeas add a hearty texture that transforms this soup into a filling meal, perfect for chilly days or whenever I need a little pick-me-up. Plus, it’s vegan and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation! It’s simple to whip up and absolutely delightful—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to make your delicious *Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup*! Freshness is key, so I always recommend using the best quality tomatoes and basil you can find. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, whatever you have on hand!)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought works great)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you’re like me and love garlic!)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (the fresher, the better for that aromatic kick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin adds a lovely richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on these, they elevate the flavors!)
That’s it! Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how delicious this soup is with just these basics.
How to Prepare Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this *Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup*! I promise, it’s as easy as pie, and oh-so-rewarding. Ready? Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Feel that sizzle? That’s the sound of flavor coming to life!
- Once the oil is warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. You’ll want to keep stirring to avoid any burning—nobody wants that!
- Next, add in the 4 cups of diced tomatoes and the 1 cup of vegetable broth. Bring this beautiful mixture to a simmer. Just imagine that rich tomato aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s heavenly!
- Once simmering, add the 2 cups of chickpeas. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.
- Now, it’s time for the fresh basil! Stir in 1 cup of torn basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another minute or two to let the basil’s magic infuse.
- If you like a smoother texture, feel free to blend the soup with an immersion blender until it reaches your desired consistency. I love a creamy finish, but it’s totally up to you!
- Finally, serve warm and enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness. You’ll be amazed by how quick and satisfying this soup is!
And there you have it! A hearty, delicious *Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup* ready to warm your soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling, perfect for a cozy meal
- Rich in flavor thanks to fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil
- Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients
- Vegan and packed with nutrients from chickpeas
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies for extra goodness!
- Perfect for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge!
Tips for Success
To make your *Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup* truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on the fresh basil—its aroma is what takes this soup to the next level. If you can, use homemade vegetable broth; it adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat! Also, feel free to play with the spices—try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Lastly, let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving; it allows the flavors to deepen even more. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your *Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup*, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! Try adding diced carrots or celery when you sauté the onions for extra veggies and flavor. You can also toss in some cooked quinoa or farro for added texture and heartiness. Feeling adventurous? A splash of coconut milk can give it a creamy twist and a hint of sweetness. And for those who love a little heat, why not add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper? The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover *Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup* can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just let it cool first before sealing it up—this helps maintain that delicious flavor! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up a bit. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, but be sure to cover it to avoid messes. Enjoy every comforting spoonful again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into this *Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup*! This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also a healthy choice that’s loaded with nutrients. Below are the estimated typical values per serving, which is about 1 cup:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands or additional ingredients you might add. But overall, you’re looking at a hearty, nourishing soup that’s sure to fuel your day!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup? Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned? Yes, you can! Just soak and cook the dried chickpeas before adding them to the soup. This will take a bit more time, but it’ll be worth it!
What can I serve with this soup? This hearty *Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup* pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also top it with a dollop of vegan yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, it is! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Can I add more spices to the soup? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor to your liking.
For more information on the health benefits of chickpeas, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on how to make homemade vegetable broth, visit this Simply Recipes guide.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional value of tomatoes, you can read this Healthline article.
Print
Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup: 7 Reasons to Love This Comforting Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and flavorful soup made with tomatoes, basil, and chickpeas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.
- Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add chickpeas and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
- Blend the soup for a smooth texture, if desired.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition.
- Use fresh basil for better flavor.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup, Vegan Soup, Mediterranean Soup