Garlic Chickpea Soup: Amazing 40-Min Comfort

Name: Garlic Chickpea Soup: Amazing 40-Min Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 6-8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 bay leaf; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 small Yukon gold potato, peeled and 1/2-inch dice; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus extra wedges to serve; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro; Optional garnish: Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt, chili oil, crusty bread

by Manar Jota

August 29, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Garlic chickpea soup has become my absolute go-to for a quick, comforting meal that feels both incredibly nourishing and surprisingly elegant. I remember the first time I made this, the aroma of sautéed garlic and warm spices filled my kitchen, instantly making it feel cozy. It’s truly a one-pot wonder, delivering a wonderfully creamy garlic chickpea soup without any heavy cream. If you’re looking for an easy chickpea garlic soup recipe that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chickpea Soup

This soup is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll adore its comforting, savory flavor profile and the satisfyingly creamy texture. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice. This hearty chickpea garlic soup is also wonderfully budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples. It’s a fantastic option for vegetarians and vegans, and even picky eaters tend to love this delicious bowl. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again for a truly delightful meal.

Incredibly savory and satisfying taste
Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights
High in protein and fiber for sustained energy
An affordable meal using pantry staples
A wonderfully hearty chickpea garlic soup that appeals to everyone
Naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan
A simple, fuss-free way to enjoy healthy ingredients

Ingredients for Garlic Chickpea Soup

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful garlicky chickpea broth soup. You’ll need a few simple staples that come together quickly. The base starts with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, which helps soften our aromatics beautifully. For that essential flavor, we have 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and a generous amount of 6-8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced – slicing instead of mincing gives a milder, sweeter garlic flavor that just melts into the soup. Warm spices like 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) add depth. Don’t forget the 1 bay leaf for that subtle herbal note. For the liquid base, 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth is key. Then, we have our stars: 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed, and 1 small Yukon gold potato, peeled and 1/2-inch dice. The potato adds a lovely creaminess without dairy. Finally, season with 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and finish with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus extra wedges to serve for brightness. Fresh 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness.

Garlic Chickpea Soup: Amazing 40-Min Comfort - Garlic Chickpea Soup - additional detail

How to Make Garlic Chickpea Soup

This simple recipe truly lives up to its name, making it an easy chickpea garlic soup recipe that anyone can master. Let’s walk through how to make garlic chickpea soup step-by-step!

Step 1: Start by heating 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, add the 6-8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, and cook for another 60 to 90 seconds until you can smell its wonderful fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 2: Stir in the spices: 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and the optional 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss in the 1 bay leaf. Cook for about 30 to 45 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant. This blooming process really brings out their flavor.
Step 3: Pour in the 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth. Add the 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed, along with the 1 small Yukon gold potato, peeled and 1/2-inch dice. Season with 1/2 tsp fine sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the potato is fork-tender.
Step 4: Once the potato is tender, remove the bay leaf. For that signature creamy texture, use an immersion blender to carefully blend about one-third of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can scoop out a cup of the soup, blend it, and return it to the pot. This step is key to achieving that delightful consistency in this easy chickpea garlic soup recipe.
Step 5: Stir in the 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and the fresh 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, perhaps with extra lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Enjoy this comforting bowl of garlic chickpea soup!

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Chickpea Soup

Want to elevate your garlic chickpea soup game? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make this already simple recipe even better. These tips ensure a perfectly balanced flavor and texture every time.

For a deeper garlic flavor, try roasting the garlic cloves before adding them to the pot.
Don’t skip the lemon juice at the end! It brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness.
Mash some of the chickpeas and potato against the side of the pot with your spoon to naturally thicken the soup without needing an immersion blender.
If you don’t have Yukon gold potatoes, any waxy potato will work, just ensure they’re diced small so they cook quickly.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy garlic chickpea soup?

The secret to a perfectly creamy garlic chickpea soup lies in gently mashing some of the cooked chickpeas and potato against the pot’s side. This releases their starches, creating a luscious, velvety texture without any dairy. It’s a simple technique that transforms this garlic bean soup recipe.

Can I make garlic chickpea soup ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare this soup up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just reheat gently on the stovetop.

How do I avoid common mistakes with savory garlic chickpea soup?

A common pitfall is burning the garlic; cook it gently until fragrant, not brown. Also, be mindful of your salt, especially if your broth is already seasoned. Start with less and add more to taste. Finally, don’t over-mash the soup if you prefer some texture.

Garlic Chickpea Soup: Amazing 40-Min Comfort - Garlic Chickpea Soup - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Chickpea Soup

This versatile garlic chickpea soup is wonderful on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few complementary sides. For a truly satisfying meal, I love serving it with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping into that flavorful broth – it’s perfect for sopping up every last drop! A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a lovely freshness. If you’re looking for more substantial pairings for your chickpea and garlic soup, consider a simple grilled cheese sandwich or some fluffy couscous. These additions make it a complete and comforting meal, perfect for any occasion.

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Chickpea Soup

This delightful bowl of garlic chickpea soup is not only comforting but also quite nutritious. Per serving, you can expect:

Calories: Approx. 300-350 (estimated)
Fat: Moderate
Saturated Fat: Low
Protein: Moderate
Carbohydrates: Moderate
Fiber: High
Sugar: Low
Sodium: Low-to-moderate (depending on broth)

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Chickpea Soup

Once your delicious bowl of garlic chickpea soup is ready, you’ll want to know how to keep it fresh. After cooking, let the soup cool down slightly at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For the best quality, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this wonderful garlic chickpea stew for longer, it also freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Garlic Chickpea Soup

What is garlic chickpea soup?

Garlic chickpea soup is a hearty, flavorful dish made primarily with chickpeas, garlic, and vegetable broth. It’s often enhanced with aromatics like onion, warming spices, and sometimes vegetables like potatoes for added texture and creaminess. My version is a delicious, plant-based option that’s incredibly satisfying and easy to make.

Why make garlic chickpea soup?

You should make this soup because it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, budget-friendly meal that comes together quickly. It’s packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, making it incredibly filling and good for you. Plus, the combination of garlic, spices, and a hint of lemon creates a wonderfully savory and comforting flavor that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Can I add other vegetables to my garlic chickpea soup?

Absolutely! This soup is very forgiving and a great base for adding other vegetables. I often toss in diced carrots, celery, spinach, or kale during the last 10 minutes of simmering. For a heartier meal, you might also consider adding diced zucchini or bell peppers. It’s a wonderfully versatile dish!

What if I don’t have an immersion blender for my easy chickpea garlic soup recipe?

No worries at all! If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can achieve a similar creamy texture by carefully scooping out about 1-2 cups of the soup (making sure to get some chickpeas and potato) into a regular blender. Blend until smooth, then stir it back into the pot. Alternatively, you can simply mash some of the chickpeas and potato against the side of the pot with a spoon or potato masher for a slightly less smooth but still wonderfully creamy result.

Variations of Quick Garlic Chickpea Soup You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this simple garlic chickpea soup, you might want to explore some fun variations! This recipe is so adaptable, making it easy to switch things up. For a nutrient boost, consider adding more veggies to create a delicious garlic chickpea soup with vegetables; think diced carrots, celery, or some hearty kale stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of tahini along with the lemon juice for an extra creamy, nutty depth. For a spicier kick, a teaspoon of harissa paste stirred in with the spices adds a wonderful warmth. And of course, this recipe is perfect for creating a truly satisfying vegan garlic chickpea soup by ensuring you use vegetable broth and optional vegan yogurt for garnish.