Name: Creamy Roasted Garlic Chickpea Soup with Crispy Spiced Chickpeas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 14-ounce cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed (460 grams drained); 1 large potato, peeled and cubed; 2-3 cups vegetable broth (500-750 milliliters, to desired consistency); 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); Salt, to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon); 2 teaspoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil); 1 14-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed (230 grams); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 head of garlic; 1 teaspoon olive oil; Chili oil (to serve); Crusty bread (to serve)

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If you’re looking for a soul-warming dish that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, the Creamy Roasted Garlic Chickpea Soup with Crispy Spiced Chickpeas Recipe is your new best friend. This soup combines the mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic with silky blended chickpeas, all crowned with satisfyingly crunchy, spiced chickpeas that add a delightful texture contrast. It’s not just comforting but bursting with layers of flavors that make every spoonful utterly irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is an absolute keeper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a metal pot filled with creamy chickpea soup, with a light yellow, smooth broth holding round chickpeas floating on top. The soup has a sprinkle of green herbs and small bits of red spice, adding color contrast on the surface. A wooden spoon is dipped into the soup on the right side of the pot, with steam rising gently from the hot liquid. The pot rests on a white marbled surface, and a soft beige cloth is draped over the edge of the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a star role in building the rich, creamy, and flavorful profile of the soup. From the garlic that roasts to sweet perfection to the hearty chickpeas and fragrant spices, every element brings something special to the bowl.

1 head of garlic: Roasting transforms the garlic into a buttery, mellow flavor base that’s irresistible.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps with roasting and spicing.
1 teaspoon ground paprika: Brings warmth and color with a slightly smoky note.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Provides an herbal, piney aroma that elevates the flavor.
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: Adds sharpness and depth to the overall taste.
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional): A hint of heat for those who like a mild kick.
2 cans (14 ounces each) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed (460 grams drained): The creamy base of the soup, packed with protein and fiber.
2-3 cups vegetable broth (500-750 milliliters): Adjust for your preferred soup consistency while adding savory depth.
1 large potato, peeled and cubed: Adds body and smoothness when blended.
Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon recommended): Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas for roasting, drained and rinsed (230 grams): For crispy spiced chickpea topping.
1 tablespoon olive oil (for crispy chickpeas): Helps crisp up the chickpeas perfectly in the oven.
1 teaspoon ground paprika (for crispy chickpeas): Adds color and smoky warmth to the crunchy topping.
1/2 teaspoon each garlic and onion powder (for crispy chickpeas): Amplifies the savory flavors in the roasted chickpeas.
1/2 teaspoon salt (for crispy chickpeas): Balances the spiced coating for irresistible crunch.
Chili oil (optional for serving): A drizzle makes every bowl pop with heat and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Chickpea Soup with Crispy Spiced Chickpeas Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Start by preheating your oven to 375℉ (180℃) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Take a can of chickpeas, rinse and drain them well, then dry them thoroughly in a clean cloth. Rubbing them helps loosen and remove the skins, which is key for crispiness because the skins hold moisture that prevents effective roasting. Toss these chickpeas in olive oil along with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. Spread them out evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. You’ll know they’re ready when golden and crispy—don’t forget they get crunchier as they cool!

Step 2: Roasting the Garlic

While the chickpeas roast, prepare the garlic for that signature sweet, mellow garlic flavor. Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, then place it in a small oven-safe dish. Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and loosely cover with foil. Pop the garlic into the oven alongside the chickpeas and roast for the same 45 to 60 minutes. If after 45 minutes the garlic hasn’t browned nicely, remove the foil to let it caramelize further. Once done, let the garlic cool slightly before squeezing the soft cloves out of their skins for the soup.

Step 3: Making the Soup Base

While garlic and chickpeas bake, heat a couple of teaspoons of a neutral oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the paprika, rosemary, pepper, and chili flakes (if using) to toast lightly and awaken their flavors. Then, pour in the two cans of rinsed chickpeas, stirring to coat them with the spices. Add peeled, cubed potatoes and pour in 2 to 3 cups of vegetable broth, adjusting the liquid to how thick you want your soup. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and let the potatoes cook until tender, roughly 20 minutes. This simmer makes the soup develop a rich, comforting base.

Step 4: Blending and Finishing Touches

Once potatoes are tender and garlic is perfectly roasted, use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the soup until silky smooth. Add the roasted garlic cloves by squeezing them into the blender, allowing that buttery garlic goodness to infuse every spoonful. Taste and adjust salt if needed. If the soup feels too thick, simply stir in a tad more vegetable broth and re-heat if necessary. The result is a luxuriously creamy soup with layers of flavor ready to be enjoyed.

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Garlic Chickpea Soup with Crispy Spiced Chickpeas Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy light beige soup topped with whole chickpeas scattered on the surface, drizzled with golden olive oil, and sprinkled with cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and small green herb bits, placed on a white marbled surface. The bowl has a silver spoon inside, and on the side, there are pieces of crusty bread with a golden brown crust and soft, light interior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This soup is already full of flavor and texture but topping it with those crispy spiced chickpeas adds that extra wow factor you didn’t know you needed—crunch with every bite! A drizzle of chili oil on top can add a lovely touch of heat and vibrancy. Some fresh herbs like parsley or a swirl of yogurt can also complement the flavors beautifully and brighten up the bowl.

Side Dishes

While this soup is hearty and satisfying on its own, serving it alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic naan makes it perfect for dipping and soaking up all those creamy, garlicky juices. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a touch of elegance, ladle the soup into small bowls and sprinkle the spiced chickpeas in the center like edible confetti. Swirling in a bit of chili oil or herb-infused oil can create beautiful marbled patterns on the surface. If you’re feeling festive, add a dusting of smoked paprika or a few fresh microgreens or sprouts on top for color and brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Chickpea Soup with Crispy Spiced Chickpeas Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the soup separately from the crispy chickpea topping to maintain their crunchiness. Just pop the soup in an airtight container and cover the chickpeas well.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup without the crispy chickpeas for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring you leave a bit of room for expansion. When thawed, the soup may need a quick blitz with the blender to bring back its silky texture before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat to prevent scorching, stirring occasionally. Once warmed through, add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Reheat the crispy chickpeas separately in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore their crunch right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have the time, cooking dried chickpeas until tender works perfectly. Just be sure to cook them fully before using. The canned ones just save time and provide consistent texture.

Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an inclusive choice for many diets. Just double-check your vegetable broth to ensure it’s gluten-free if that’s a concern.

How spicy is the soup? Can I adjust the heat?

The chili flakes and chili oil are optional, so you can control the heat level easily. Feel free to omit these or add extra depending on your spice tolerance.

What’s the best way to remove chickpea skins for crispy topping?

Drying the chickpeas thoroughly and rubbing them gently in a clean kitchen towel helps loosen the skins, which you can then pop off with your fingers. This step is key for crispiness because the skin retains moisture.

Can I make this soup in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely! The soup benefits from sitting for a few hours or even overnight as the flavors meld beautifully. Just reheat gently and add crispy chickpeas just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making the Creamy Roasted Garlic Chickpea Soup with Crispy Spiced Chickpeas Recipe enough for your next cozy meal. It’s a nurturing, flavorful, and simple recipe that feels special without fuss. The combination of smooth, velvety soup with that addictive crunchy topping makes it a dish that truly stands out and will have everyone asking for seconds. Go grab those ingredients and give this heartwarming soup a try—you won’t regret it!