Description
Hearty Italian chickpea soup warms souls with rustic Mediterranean charm. Fragrant herbs and creamy legumes blend seamlessly, offering comforting spoons of pure Italian countryside goodness you’ll savor to the last drop.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins and Vegetables:
- 2 cans (14 ounces / 400 grams) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 3 slices bacon (diced)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 small diced onion
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jarred roasted red pepper (diced)
Liquids and Broths:
- 2 cans (14 ounces / 400 grams) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings and Garnishes:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Sea or kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Mozzarella garlic bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Render the bacon pieces in a generously sized soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until golden and crisp. Transfer the crunchy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
- In the same pot, drizzle olive oil and introduce diced onions, minced garlic, chopped red pepper, Italian seasoning blend, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté the aromatic vegetables until they become translucent and tender, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Incorporate whole peeled diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, and previously cooked bacon into the vegetable mixture, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, adding an additional salt and ground black pepper. Elevate the heat to initiate a gentle simmer, allowing the soup to develop deep flavors for 18-22 minutes while stirring intermittently.
- Gently fold fresh baby spinach leaves into the simmering soup, allowing them to wilt and soften for 3-4 minutes.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, generously garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and accompany with warm mozzarella garlic bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Bacon adds a smoky, rich flavor that elevates the entire soup’s depth and complexity.
- Crispy bacon pieces scattered throughout provide delightful textural contrast to soft chickpeas and tender spinach.
- Quick-cooking method ensures vegetables retain their vibrant colors and nutrient-packed goodness.
- Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top creates a salty, umami finish that complements the hearty soup base.
- Flexible recipe allows easy substitutions like vegetarian bacon or additional spices for personalized tastes.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld and develop intensely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling, Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 10mg