Vegetable and Chickpea Soup with Yogurt Sauce

Perfect for a comforting meal, this hearty vegetable and chickpea soup is complemented by a delicious yogurt sauce. It’s a nutritious and filling dish that’s ideal for any time of the year.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

  • 100 g chickpeas
  • 1.5 liters (7 glasses) water
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • Olive oil (for frying)
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 pepperoni, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 turnip, finely chopped
  • 1 leek, finely chopped
  • 2 red peppers, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 g sugar
  • Red pepper, to taste
  • Rosemary, to taste
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • Fresh dill, chopped
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

For the Yogurt Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons natural yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • Chopped dill

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas:
    • Soak the chickpeas in water for a few hours or overnight.
    • Drain and place the soaked chickpeas in a pot with water.
    • Cover and cook for 40 minutes until tender.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
    • Fry the chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
    • Add the chopped celery to the pan with the onions and mix well.
    • Add the pepperoni, carrot, turnip, and leek. Mix well.
    • Cover the pan and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add More Ingredients:
    • Add the chopped red peppers and mix well.
    • Add the tomato paste, salt, sugar, red pepper, rosemary, and minced garlic.
    • Mix well and cover the pan. Cook over low heat for another 2 minutes.
  4. Prepare the Potatoes:
    • Add the chopped potatoes to the pot with the cooked chickpeas.
    • Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the chickpeas and potatoes. Mix well.
    • Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
  5. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, mix the natural yogurt, mayonnaise, and chopped dill.
    • Mix well until smooth. The sauce is ready.
  6. Finish the Soup:
    • Chop some parsley and add it to the soup. Mix well.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the soup hot, garnished with the prepared yogurt sauce.
    • Enjoy your delicious vegetable and chickpea soup!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
  • Garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.

Cooking Tips:

  • For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back into the pot.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more or less red pepper and rosemary.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Chickpeas: A great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
  • Vegetables: Provide essential vitamins and minerals, making this soup a nutritious choice.

Dietary Information:

  • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Vegan: Can be made vegan by substituting the yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.

Storage Tips:

  • Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • It’s a hearty and filling soup that’s perfect for any time of the year.
  • The combination of chickpeas and vegetables creates a nutritious and delicious meal.
  • The yogurt sauce adds a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the soup beautifully.

Conclusion: This vegetable and chickpea soup with yogurt sauce is a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare. Packed with vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas, it’s a perfect dish for a comforting and satisfying lunch or dinner. Enjoy this flavorful soup with family and friends!

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
    • Yes, use 1.5 cups of canned chickpeas and reduce cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I add other vegetables?
    • Yes, add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
  3. How can I make the soup spicier?
    • Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  4. Can I freeze this soup?
    • Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
  5. What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the yogurt sauce?
    • You can use sour cream or a vegan mayonnaise alternative.
  6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?
    • Yes, using vegetable broth will add more depth to the flavor of the soup.
  7. How do I prevent the chickpeas from being tough?
    • Ensure the chickpeas are soaked for several hours and cooked until tender.
  8. What type of bread pairs well with this soup?
    • Crusty bread like ciabatta, sourdough, or a baguette pairs well with this soup.
  9. Can I use Greek yogurt for the sauce?
    • Yes, Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker, creamier sauce.
  10. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
    • Yes, but use them sparingly as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.