Chick Pea Soup
Chick Pea Soup Recipe from Saudi Arabia
Introduction
Chickpea soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
History
Chickpeas have been cultivated for thousands of years and are believed to have originated in the Middle East. They were a popular food source in ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Chickpea soup has been a traditional dish in many cultures for centuries, known for its rich and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 whole garlic clove
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 2 chopped tomatoes
- 4 cups dried garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained (garbanzos) or 4 (15 oz (425 g)) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups water or chicken stock (about)
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 2 – 3 chopped onions
- 1 cup olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- lemon slices (to garnish)
How to prepare
- Soak the beans overnight in warm water.
- Strain and sprinkle with baking soda.
- Let them stand for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with hot water and rub a few at a time between your fingers to remove the skins (discard the skins).
- Place them in a strainer and rinse thoroughly for several minutes.
- Put them into a large pot along with enough water or chicken stock to cover and bring to a boil, skimming off the foam as it rises.
- Add the onions, tomato, rosemary, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper, and simmer covered until the beans split; about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
- Serve hot with lemon slices.
Variations
- Add diced carrots, celery, or potatoes for extra vegetables.
- Stir in a spoonful of tahini or harissa for a Middle Eastern twist.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, cilantro, or mint for a fresh and herby flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Soaking the chickpeas overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.
- Removing the skins of the chickpeas before cooking can help improve the texture of the soup.
- Adding a whole clove and rosemary to the soup while cooking enhances the flavor.
- Simmering the soup slowly over low heat allows the flavors to develop and the chickpeas to become tender.
Serving Suggestions
Chickpea soup can be served as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a salad. It can also be topped with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Slow simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together and the chickpeas to become tender.
- Stirring occasionally prevents the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjusting the seasoning to taste before serving ensures a well-balanced flavor profile.
Ingredient Substitutions
Canned chickpeas can be used instead of dried chickpeas for a quicker cooking time.
- Vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken stock for a vegetarian option.
- Any type of fresh or dried herbs can be used in place of rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
Chickpea soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve chickpea soup in individual bowls garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and a lemon wedge on the side for squeezing.
Pairing Recommendations
Chickpea soup pairs well with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a cup of hot tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover chickpea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to thin out the soup if needed.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
One serving of chickpea soup contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.
Carbohydrates
Chickpeas are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. One serving of chickpea soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Olive oil is the main source of fat in this recipe, providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. One serving of chickpea soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Chickpeas are a rich source of plant-based protein, making this soup a great vegetarian option. One serving of chickpea soup contains approximately 15 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Chickpeas are packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6. One serving of chickpea soup provides a good amount of these essential nutrients.
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens, making it suitable for most dietary restrictions.
Summary
Chickpea soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for vegetarians and those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Summary
Chickpea soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices. Enjoy a bowl of warm and hearty chickpea soup for a satisfying and delicious meal.
How did I get this recipe?
for Chick Pea Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known throughout the village for her delicious cooking and she was my inspiration to learn how to cook.
I vividly remember the day I first learned how to make Chick Pea Soup. It was a cold and rainy day, and Nonna Maria had been busy preparing a big pot of soup for dinner. As I watched her expertly chop vegetables and stir the pot, I asked her if I could help. She smiled and handed me a bowl of chickpeas, telling me to start peeling off the skins.
As I sat at the kitchen table, meticulously peeling each chickpea, Nonna Maria began to tell me the story of how she learned to make Chick Pea Soup. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations of women in our family, each adding their own twist to make it their own.
Nonna Maria's version of Chick Pea Soup was simple yet flavorful. She cooked the chickpeas with onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, adding a dash of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs for extra flavor. The soup simmered on the stove for hours, filling the house with a comforting aroma that made my mouth water.
As I sat peeling chickpeas and listening to Nonna Maria's stories, I realized that cooking was not just about following a recipe - it was about tradition, love, and creativity. I watched as Nonna Maria added a handful of fresh parsley to the pot, explaining that it was the secret ingredient that made her Chick Pea Soup so special.
After hours of simmering, the Chick Pea Soup was finally ready. Nonna Maria ladled steaming bowls of soup into each of our plates, topping them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The first bite was pure heaven - warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor.
From that day on, Chick Pea Soup became a staple in our household. Whenever the weather turned cold or someone was feeling under the weather, Nonna Maria would whip up a pot of soup and we would all gather around the table to enjoy it together. It became a tradition that I cherished and looked forward to with each passing year.
As I grew older and began cooking for my own family, I carried on Nonna Maria's tradition of making Chick Pea Soup. I taught my children how to peel chickpeas, chop vegetables, and simmer a pot of soup on the stove. And just like Nonna Maria had done for me, I shared the story of how I learned to make Chick Pea Soup with my children, passing down the recipe and the love that went into making it.
Now, many years later, Chick Pea Soup remains a beloved dish in our family. Whenever I make a pot of soup, I can't help but think of Nonna Maria and the day she taught me how to cook. Her recipe may have been simple, but the memories and traditions that come with it are priceless.
So, the next time you find yourself craving a warm and comforting bowl of soup, I encourage you to try making Chick Pea Soup. Peel the chickpeas, chop the vegetables, and simmer the pot on the stove - and don't forget to add a handful of fresh parsley for that special touch. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be sitting at the kitchen table, sharing the story of how you learned to make Chick Pea Soup with your own children and grandchildren.
Categories
| Chicken Stock And Broth Recipes | Chickpea Recipes | Onion Recipes | Rosemary Recipes | Saudi Arabian Recipes | Saudi Arabian Soups | Tomato Recipes |