Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup! It’s one of those comforting bowls of goodness that warms you from the inside out. I remember the first time I made this soup—it was a chilly evening, and I had just come home from a long day. The smell of sautéed onions and garlic filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. Packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and hearty chickpeas, this soup is not only delicious but also bursting with health benefits. It’s vegan, full of fiber, and so easy to whip up! Trust me, whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup is a go-to that you’ll absolutely love!
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups canned chickpeas – Make sure you drain and rinse them well to cut down on extra sodium.
- 4 cups diced tomatoes – You can use fresh tomatoes or canned, but I love the convenience of canned for this recipe!
- 1 cup vegetable broth – This adds depth to the soup; homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine.
- 1 medium onion – Chopped. The sweeter the onion, the better the flavor!
- 3 cloves garlic – Minced. Fresh garlic really makes a difference, trust me!
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves – The star of the show! Don’t skimp on this; it adds such a lovely aroma and taste.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This is for sautéing the onion and garlic, bringing out their flavors beautifully.
- Salt and pepper – To taste. Always taste as you go, so you can adjust the seasoning just right!
These ingredients come together to create a soup that’s not just hearty but also bursting with flavor. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to make something so delicious!
How to Prepare Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup
Getting your Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup ready is a breeze! I promise, you’ll love how quickly everything comes together. Here’s how to do it step by step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute or so, and you’ll start to smell that delightful aroma!
- Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Keep stirring so nothing burns—nobody wants bitter flavors in their soup!
- Next, toss in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Once it’s bubbling away nicely, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together. If you like your soup chunky, you can skip the next step!
- If you prefer a smoother texture, now’s the time to blend! Use an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully transfer the soup to a blender. Just remember to let it cool slightly first if using a traditional blender—hot soup can splatter! Blend until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, stir in the fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to add a generous pinch of each to really enhance the flavors. Serve warm and enjoy!
And there you have it! Your Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup is ready to be devoured. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will make you want to dive right in. Enjoy every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with chickpeas, tomatoes, and fresh basil, this soup is a great source of protein and fiber.
- Vegan-Friendly: A hearty, plant-based dish that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re vegan or not!
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of tomatoes and fresh basil creates a vibrant taste that warms the soul.
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in extra veggies or spices based on your preferences—make it your own!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the delicious flavors and comforting texture of this soup!
Honestly, this Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup hits all the right notes—it’s nourishing, bursting with flavor, and super easy to make. You’ll definitely want to keep this recipe on hand for when those soup cravings hit!
Tips for Success with Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup
Making the perfect Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup is all about those little details that can take your dish from good to absolutely fantastic! Here are some of my favorite pro tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes will really elevate the flavors. If you can, opt for garden-fresh tomatoes in season—they’re unbeatable!
- Control the Heat: When you sauté the onion and garlic, keep the heat at medium. If it’s too high, you might burn them, and that can make your soup taste bitter. No one wants that!
- Season as You Go: Don’t wait until the end to season your soup. Taste it throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Every ingredient can change the flavor profile!
- Texture Preferences: If you like a chunkier soup, just skip the blending step. But if you prefer a creamy texture, blending is key. Just be cautious with hot liquids in a blender to avoid splatters!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding vegetables like carrots, spinach, or zucchini can boost both the nutrition and flavor of your soup.
- Store Properly: When storing leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week, but make sure to reheat it gently to keep the flavors intact.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: A sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving can add a lovely finishing touch and make it look even more appetizing!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll create a Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup that’s not only delicious but truly memorable. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this delightful Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup! Not only is it delicious, but it also brings plenty of health benefits to the table. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. However, with all those chickpeas and fresh veggies, you can feel good about enjoying a bowl or two! This soup is not only satisfying but also a wholesome option for a meal. Happy eating!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup ready, let’s talk about how to make your meal even more delightful! Here are some of my favorite pairing ideas that complement the flavors of the soup beautifully:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or some buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like scooping up that tasty soup with a piece of bread.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the warmth of the soup. Plus, it’s a great way to add more veggies to your meal!
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Who doesn’t love a classic pairing? A gooey grilled cheese sandwich with melty cheese will make your soup experience comforting and indulgent.
- Roasted Vegetables: Some seasoned roasted veggies on the side bring a lovely depth of flavor and a bit of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tomato base.
- Quinoa or Rice: For a heartier meal, serve your soup over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. It adds texture and makes it even more filling!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. Each of these pairings will enhance your Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup, making it a meal to remember!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a big batch of Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup, and now you’re wondering how to store the leftovers? No worries—I’ve got you covered! Proper storage will help keep your soup fresh and delicious for days to come.
First off, let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make your soup watery. Once it’s cooled, just pour it into the container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about a week, so you can enjoy it throughout the week!
When you’re ready to reheat, I suggest using either the stovetop or microwave. If you’re using the stovetop, pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps maintain its creamy texture and flavor. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t scorch on the bottom! If you go the microwave route, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s nice and hot.
And here’s a little tip—if the soup seems thicker after being in the fridge, just stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating to get it back to that perfect consistency. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful!
FAQ About Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup
Got questions about making the perfect Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup? No problem! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you want to use dried chickpeas, just make sure to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. It’ll take a bit longer, but it’s totally worth it!
What if I can’t find fresh basil?
No fresh basil? No worries! You can use dried basil instead, but start with a smaller amount (about 1 teaspoon) since dried herbs are more concentrated. Just add it a bit earlier in the cooking process to help it rehydrate and release its flavor.
Can I freeze the soup?
Definitely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It should be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual!
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños when you sauté the onions and garlic. It’ll give your soup a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is super versatile. You can add veggies like carrots, spinach, or zucchini. Just be sure to add them at the right time so they cook through without getting mushy.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the labels on your vegetable broth and any ingredients you might use to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is done when everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together beautifully, usually after about 10 minutes of simmering after adding the chickpeas. You can taste it to check for seasoning and adjust as needed!
Hopefully, these FAQs help you feel more confident in making your Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup. I’m sure you’ll create a dish that’s not just delicious but also comforting and satisfying!
Print
Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Enjoy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and flavorful soup made with tomatoes, basil, and chickpeas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.
- Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add chickpeas and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
- Blend the soup for a smooth texture, if desired.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition.
- Use fresh basil for better flavor.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Tomato Basil Chickpea Soup, Vegan Soup, Mediterranean Soup