Chickpea Soup I

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in the chickpeas, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
6. Add the celery and carrots and reduce heat to low.
7. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Stir in the cilantro before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Fat: 10 grams
• Saturated fat: 3 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Sodium: 600 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 35 grams
• Dietary fiber: 10 grams
• Protein: 15 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful soup with a hint of Mediterranean spices.
• Packed with healthy ingredients like chickpeas, vegetables, and vegetable broth.
• Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, main course, or side dish.

User Comments:

• "This soup is absolutely delicious! It's so hearty and satisfying, yet light enough to enjoy all year round." - Sarah M.
• "I love how easy this soup is to make. It's a great weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy." - John D.
• "I'm always looking for new ways to use chickpeas, and this soup is a winner. It's so creamy and flavorful." - Mary B.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To make a vegetarian version of this soup, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just peel, seed, and chop them before adding them to the soup.
• To add a bit of extra flavor, garnish the soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.