Warm up with a bowl of this Sunkissed Citrus Chickpea Soup that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and nutrients. The zesty citrus notes elevate the hearty chickpeas, creating a refreshing yet filling meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.
The avocado swirl not only adds creaminess but also a beautiful presentation, making this dish as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this soup is a wonderful balance of health and taste.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ground cumin, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the chickpeas, vegetable broth, orange juice, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth, or transfer in batches to a blender and blend until creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, mash the avocado and mix with a squeeze of lemon juice to keep it fresh and vibrant.
- Serve the soup hot, drizzling the avocado mixture on top and garnishing with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Tip: For a smoother texture, blend the soup longer and add more broth if it’s too thick.
To enhance the flavor, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a garnish. If you want to make it even heartier, consider adding cooked quinoa or noodles.
For ingredient substitutions, any beans can be used instead of chickpeas, and you can swap in any citrus you have on hand like lime or grapefruit. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave.