Zuppa Di Ceci(Chickpea Soup)
A hearty and flavorful chickpea soup with smoky bacon, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, perfect for comforting lunches or dinners for any crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook over low flame until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add peeled and chopped tomato (or canned tomatoes) and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add undrained chickpeas, minced garlic, water, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high flame.
- Cover the saucepan, leaving the lid somewhat off, and simmer for about 25 minutes.
- Fry chopped bacon until crisp in a separate pan or microwave until crispy.
- Drain the bacon and add it to the soup mixture.
- Cook the soup with bacon for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider substituting pancetta for bacon or using smoked paprika. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and enhance the soup with additional spices like cumin or coriander. You can also blend a portion of the chickpeas for a creamier texture, reminiscent of Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Zuppa Di Ceci with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for extra flavor. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Greek-Style Salad for a complete meal. For a heartier dish, consider serving it alongside Stuffed Peppers In Tomato Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Zuppa Di Ceci in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to thin the soup. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zuppa Di Ceci(Chickpea Soup) contains roughly 359 calories, with 17g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value) and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2349mg per serving (102% 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; just soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them to the soup. This will take longer but enhances the texture and flavor of the dish.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when cooking the onions. This will give your Zuppa Di Ceci a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make Zuppa Di Ceci vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and enhance the flavors with additional garlic and herbs. You can also add more vegetables, like spinach or kale, for extra nutrition and 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).