Chick Pea Soup
A hearty chick pea soup with savory beef or sausage, rich flavors, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the lean beef or pork in a large pot.
- Add water to cover the meat, then add the whole onion and celery stalks.
- Simmer for 3 hours, then discard the onion and celery.
- Add rinsed chick peas, chopped carrots, chopped potatoes, and spicy hot sausage to the pot.
- Simmer for an additional 2 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the soup sit overnight for better flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the vegetables along with the meat. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked or canned sausage instead of fresh. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick. This recipe is versatile, and you can explore Mediterranean recipes by incorporating different herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chickpea soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese. This hearty dish makes an excellent main course or a fulfilling starter.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chick Pea Soup contains roughly 611 calories, with 16g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (191% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and potassium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 838mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but you will need to soak and cook them beforehand. Soak them overnight and boil until tender before adding them to the soup. This can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. You can also use hotter sausage or add a dash of hot sauce just before serving for an extra kick.
Is there a way to make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the chickpeas against the side of the pot or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot. Adding a few more potatoes can also help create a heartier texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).