This North African-inspired chickpea soup combines tender vegetables and hearty chickpeas in a fragrant broth seasoned with cumin, turmeric, and cayenne.
It comes together quickly in one pot and can be made vegetarian simply by choosing vegetable broth.
Prep: 15 min · Cook: 19 min · Total: 34 min
Cuisine: North African-inspired · Course: Soup
North African Chickpea Soup Recipe Card
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the carrot and onion and cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the tomato, red bell pepper, salt, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the chickpeas, zucchini, and broth. Increase the heat and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until the zucchini is tender and the flavors have blended, about 15 minutes.
- Season with black pepper and additional salt as needed. Ladle into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with optional cilantro and lemon.
Tips for a Flavorful Chickpea Soup
- Rinse canned chickpeas well to remove excess sodium and canning liquid.
- Bloom the spices briefly in the oil to deepen their aroma.
- Cut the zucchini evenly so every piece becomes tender at the same time.
- Start with less cayenne and add more after tasting.
Substitutions and Variations
Use vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian soup. Add spinach, kale, sweet potato, or lentils for extra substance. A spoonful of harissa can replace some of the cayenne for deeper chile flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate the cooled soup in a covered container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this chickpea soup spicy?
With the full amount of cayenne it has noticeable heat. Use 1/8 teaspoon or omit it for a milder soup.
Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes. Cook them until tender first, then use about 3 cups in place of the canned chickpeas.
What goes well with chickpea soup?
Serve it with warm flatbread, couscous, a green salad, or lemony yogurt.
Prepared with AI assistance. Review ingredient amounts, cooking times, and food-safety guidance before cooking.
Featured image: AI-generated food photography.