Chickpea and White Bean Soup

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### **Instructions to Make Chickpea and White Bean Soup**

#### 1. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
– Begin by prepping your vegetables. Dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, and chop the celery. Mince the garlic and set it aside.

#### 2. **Sauté the Base:**
– Heat the **olive oil** in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

#### 3. **Add the Beans and Tomatoes:**
– Stir in the **chickpeas**, **white beans**, and the **can of diced tomatoes** (with their juices). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

#### 4. **Simmer the Soup:**
– Pour in the **vegetable broth** and stir in the **dried thyme**, **oregano**, **ground cumin**, and **smoked paprika** (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about **20-25 minutes**, allowing the flavors to meld together.

#### 5. **Add Greens (Optional):**
– If you’re adding **spinach** or **kale**, stir them into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt and cook down, adding extra nutrients to the soup.

#### 6. **Season and Adjust the Flavor:**
– Once the soup has finished simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your preference, and a squeeze of **lemon juice** can add a refreshing tang to brighten up the flavor.

#### 7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

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### **Serving Suggestions for Chickpea and White Bean Soup**

– **With a Slice of Crusty Bread:** A warm, rustic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up all the delicious broth.
– **Topped with Fresh Herbs:** Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
– **Add a Protein Boost:** For an extra protein kick, consider topping the soup with a scoop of quinoa or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
– **Serve with a Salad:** Pair the soup with a light, leafy green salad for a wholesome and well-rounded meal.

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### **Tips for Making the Best Chickpea and White Bean Soup**

– **Use Fresh Herbs:** If you have fresh thyme and oregano on hand, feel free to substitute them for the dried herbs. Fresh herbs will infuse the soup with even more aromatic flavor.
– **Add More Veggies:** This soup is easily customizable. Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes for extra bulk and nutrition.
– **Make It Spicy:** If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper for a spicy kick.
– **Make Ahead:** This soup is perfect for meal prep. The flavors deepen and improve as it sits, so you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

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### **Why You’ll Love This Chickpea and White Bean Soup**

This Chickpea and White Bean Soup is a perfect example of comfort food that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. With its hearty texture, rich flavors, and vibrant vegetables, it’s the ideal dish to warm you up on a chilly day or to enjoy as a nourishing lunch or dinner. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or something to serve at a gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and packed with goodness!

With its ease of preparation and room for customization, this Chickpea and White Bean Soup will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!