Creamy Garlic Chickpea and Spinach Delight
Indulge in a rich and hearty bowl of our Creamy Garlic Chickpea and Spinach Delight. This nourishing soup combines the earthy flavors of chickpeas with fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, and a medley of spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup not only warms the soul but also packs in nutrients with each hearty spoonful. The addition of tahini and heavy cream enhances the creaminess, making it a delightful addition to your weeknight meals. Share this delicious experience with friends and family, and let them savor the vibrant flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
garlic cloves
6 (crushed)
onion
1 (chopped)
ground coriander
2 teaspoons (None)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (None)
vegetable stock
5 cups (None)
potato
1/2 lb (peeled and finely chopped)
chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (None)
heavy cream
2/3 cup (None)
tahini
2 tablespoons (None)
spinach
8 ounces (shredded)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
salt
to taste (None)
fresh cracked pepper
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves and chopped onion, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the ground coriander and cumin, cooking for an additional minute until they release their aromatic flavors.
3
Pour in the vegetable stock and add the finely chopped potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4
Add the drained chickpeas to the pot and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with the heavy cream, tahini, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste until smooth.
6
Stir the creamy mixture into the soup along with the shredded spinach. Increase the heat to bring the soup back to a boil while stirring frequently.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the flavors to combine.
8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Chickpea and Spinach Delight?
It is a rich and hearty soup featuring chickpeas, fresh spinach, potatoes, and garlic in a creamy tahini and heavy cream base.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The chopped onion and crushed garlic should be sautéed in olive oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
What spices give this soup its flavor?
The primary aromatic spices used are ground coriander, ground cumin, and a touch of cayenne pepper for heat.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
This recipe uses 6 crushed garlic cloves to provide a deep, aromatic flavor profile.
What type of stock is recommended?
Vegetable stock is used to keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly while providing a savory liquid base.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and finely chopped to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
Once the stock is boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for about 10 minutes until they are tender.
Do I need to cook the chickpeas separately?
No, you can use a 15-ounce can of chickpeas that have been drained, adding them to the pot to simmer for 5 minutes with the other ingredients.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is whisked with the heavy cream and tahini to act as a thickening agent, giving the soup its delightful creamy texture.
When should I add the spinach?
The shredded spinach should be stirred in along with the creamy mixture once the chickpeas and potatoes are tender.
How do I prepare the spinach?
The 8 ounces of spinach should be shredded before being added to the soup pot.
Is this recipe vegan?
The base ingredients are plant-based, but the recipe includes heavy cream. To make it vegan, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
What does tahini add to the soup?
Tahini adds a subtle nutty flavor and contributes to the overall richness and creaminess of the broth.
How long is the final simmer?
After adding the spinach and cream mixture, the soup should simmer for an additional 2 minutes to wilt the spinach and combine flavors.
Can I add extra pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding fresh cracked pepper both during cooking and as a garnish to taste.
What if I don't have fresh spinach?
While fresh spinach is preferred for its vibrant flavor, you can use frozen spinach, provided it is thawed and squeezed dry first.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a very mild kick from the 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which you can adjust based on your heat preference.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the aromatics.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, although finely chopped russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their texture in soups.
How much vegetable stock is required?
You will need 5 cups of vegetable stock for this recipe.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
It is best served hot in a bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper and perhaps a side of crusty bread.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Can I freeze this soup?
Due to the heavy cream and potatoes, the texture may change slightly upon thawing, but it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How much coriander and cumin are used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons each of ground coriander and ground cumin.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is packed with nutrients from spinach and chickpeas, providing a good source of fiber and plant-based protein.
How do I prevent the cornstarch from clumping?
Whisk the cornstarch into the cold heavy cream and tahini in a separate bowl before adding it to the hot soup.
Can I substitute tahini?
If you don't have tahini, you can use cashew butter for a similar creaminess or simply omit it, though the flavor will change slightly.
How much spinach is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh spinach.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your vegetable stock and cornstarch are certified gluten-free.