## Introduction
Nothing like a hearty soup to warm you up during those chilly days. This Chickpea and White Bean Soup topped with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites is a comforting dish that you and your entire family will surely enjoy. It’s not only delicious but also packed with proteins and fiber from the beans and chickpeas. Adding the sour cream and bacon bites gives it an irresistible creamy and crunchy flavor that’s simply hard to resist.
## Why Make This Recipe
This Chickpea and White Bean Soup recipe is easy to whip up using simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Not only is it a nutritious meal option packed with protein, fiber and vitamins, it is also really comforting – perfect for those cold nights. Plus, it’s a versatile soup that lets you add or substitute ingredients according to your preference.
## How To Make Chickpea and White Bean Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites
## Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
– 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) of white beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 oz of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup of sour cream
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
## Directions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.
3. Add the chickpeas, white beans, broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Once done, season it with salt and pepper according to your preference.
5. If you like your soup thicker, you can blend some of it using an immersion blender.
6. Serve the soup hot and top it with a dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bites and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
## How To Serve Chickpea and White Bean Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites
Serve this hearty soup hot and enjoy this as a meal on its own. If serving this for dinner, you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a light salad.
## How to Store Chickpea and White Bean Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites
You can store leftover soup in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator. It should keep for a week. When ready to serve again, just reheat it on the stove or microwave.
## Tips to Make Chickpea and White Bean Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites
– Use a mixture of different beans for a variety of textures.
– Add other spices like thyme or rosemary to add more flavor to your soup.
– You can blend the soup for a smoother texture or keep it chunky if that’s what you prefer.
## Variations
If you want to make this vegan, you can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the bacon bites with smoked tofu or mushroom.
## FAQs
1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, but remember to soak them overnight first before using them.
2. What else can I serve this soup with?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal.
3. Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Ready to warm up with this flavorful soup? Cook it, taste it, and let the deliciousness melt all your worries away. Happy cooking!