Mediterranean Soup

Why make this recipe

Mediterranean Soup is a wholesome and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Packed with nutritious ingredients like chickpeas, veggies, and spinach, this soup is not only delicious but also comforting and filling. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.

How to make Mediterranean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 celery rib, diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• 2 cans (14oz – 400 gr each) chickpeas, drained
• 1 can (14oz – 400 gr) whole or diced tomatoes
• 2 ½ cup (600 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 6 oz (170 grams) fresh spinach (or 3 oz frozen)
• 1 to 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Next, stir in the garlic, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaves.
5. Add the flour and ¼ cup of cold water to a jar with a lid, shake until emulsified, and stir into the soup.
6. Next, add the fresh spinach, a handful at a time, and stir until wilted. If using frozen spinach, increase the cooking time slightly.
7. Turn the heat off. Finish with lemon juice, then taste and season with more salt, pepper, and lemon juice until the flavors really sing.
8. Divide into bowls, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like, and add grated parmesan cheese if you don’t want to keep it vegan. Serve with crusty bread. Enjoy!

How to serve Mediterranean Soup

Serve Mediterranean Soup in warm bowls. You can add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for an added depth of flavor. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and feel free to add grated parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to store Mediterranean Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the soup to cool before sealing it. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the spinach if you plan to freeze it, adding it fresh when you reheat.

Tips to make Mediterranean Soup

• For extra flavor, sauté the vegetables a little longer until they are golden brown.
• Experiment with adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes while cooking.
• If you want a thicker soup, blend a portion of it to create a creamier texture.

Variation

You can switch out the chickpeas for other beans like cannellini or kidney beans. Feel free to add grains like quinoa or pasta for extra heartiness.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan! Just leave out the parmesan cheese.

Q: How can I make the soup creamier?
A: You can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender for a creamier texture.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Using fresh tomatoes will give the soup a fresh taste. Just make sure to peel and dice them before adding.

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