chickpea soup

Chickpea soup sounds terrible, and doesn't really look all that appetizing. But it is one of my all time favourite soups, and oh so good in so many ways. I discovered my addiction, thanks to Laura Calder. I have been making this soup in gigantic batches with tonnes of paprika, and been enjoying its deliciousness for over a year. I love this soup because it's beyond incredibly easy. Essentially, the chickpeas, onions, and garlic get plunked in a pot, and covered with liquid. It could even be made in the slow cooker. Then heat, wait, and eventually, purée. The most time consuming part is getting the chickpeas puréed at the end to create a beautifully silky product. If you're looking for an inexpensive meal, it doesn't get much cheaper than this. I figure it might be around fifty cents to perhaps a dollar per serving, depending. Of course, the best part of this soup is the taste. Considering just how simple this soup is, it is incredibly fantastic, and even a bit unexpected. It has the nuttiness of the chickpeas, plus the grassy notes of extra virgin olive oil, and then the sparkle of paprika. It just fills you up, and satisfies, all in one. I often freeze it and take it for lunch many days of the week. It is just perfect; healthful, filling, and tasty. Chickpea Soup Adapted from Laura Calder (7-8 servings, for a filling lunch) 2 large or 3 medium onions 4 cloves of garlic 6 cups of dried chickpeas 6 cups of chicken or vegetable stock, plus water (homemade with bits of thyme is extra nice) bay leaf 1 tbsp paprika, plus more for sprinkling extra virgin olive oil salt 1. Peel and chop the onions and garlic (since it is going to be puréed, it can be a very rough chop). 2. In a large stockpot, combine the onions, garlic, chickpeas, stock, bay leaf, and enough water to cover. Don't worry if you add too much water, as you will need more later. 3. Bring to a boil, then lower, and simmer. Continue to simmer until the chickpeas are cooked. Make sure they are not at all hard, or the soup will not be as silky as desired. 4. Remove the bay leaf. 5. Let the soup cool. 6. Using a hand blender, or blender (I prefer for large batches), purée the soup. More water will need to be added, to get it silky smooth. If using a blender, transfer the soup to a large bowl, so that the seasonings can be adjusted. 7. Stir in the paprika, a few good glugs of olive oil, and adjust the seasoning. 8. To serve, garnish with additional paprika and extra virgin olive oil.
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