# Chickpea and White Bean Soup – A Comforting and Nutritious Delight
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes | **Cook Time:** 30 minutes | **Total Time:** 45 minutes | **Servings:** 4
##Why Make This Recipe
Everyone deserves a wholesome, comforting and tasty food that keeps the body warm, especially during chilly weather. This Chickpea and White Bean Soup is an excellent choice. It’s a vegan-friendly dish, rich in vegetables and packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas and white beans.
##How to Make Chickpea and White Bean Soup
###Ingredients:
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
###Directions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and cook until it turns translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Stir in the garlic, carrot, and celery, and cook until softened (roughly another 5 minutes).
3. Add the chickpeas, white beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and basil to the pot. Mix them well.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, and top it with fresh parsley.
##How to Serve Chickpea and White Bean Soup
Serve this soup hot, straight from the stove. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread, turning it into a simple yet complete meal.
##How to Store Chickpea and White Bean Soup
Store the leftover soup in airtight containers. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months.
##Tips to Make Chickpea and White Bean Soup
– Use fresh herbs if possible for more flavor.
– If you like your soup more creamy, blend half of it. Then mix it back with the rest.
##Variations
– Add some spinach or kale for more nutrients.
– Include a bit of smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor.
##Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?**
Yes, you can. Use about 2 cups of fresh, ripe tomatoes.
**2. I’m not a fan of chickpeas. Can I use other beans?**
Absolutely. You can use any beans you like, such as black beans, kidney beans, etc.
**3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?**
Yes. You’d need to adjust the cooking time to about 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.