Spicy Chickpea and Any Grain Soup

Get ready to embark on a flavorful adventure with our Spicy Chickpea and Any Grain Soup—your ultimate customizable delight. Though some might call it “clean-out-the-fridge soup,” we prefer to think of it as a culinary canvas where you can create a masterpiece using whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re looking to use up beans, veggies, or grains, this soup is your culinary playground. The soul-warming combination of chickpeas, fragrant spices, and fiery harissa will have you craving this soup time and time again. So, let’s uncover the magic of this soup while keeping its “secret” status intact.

YIELD: This flavorful and nourishing Spicy Chickpea and Any Grain Soup yields 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, minced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 small parsnip, peeled and diced
• 2 teaspoons (5 g) ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons (4 g) ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry red wine or additional water
• 6 cups (1.4 L) water
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 g) diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup (weight varies) cooked barley, einkorn, freekeh, kamut, or quinoa
• 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 g) harissa (medium or hot), to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional), to taste
• 5 ounces (140 g) baby kale
• Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the minced onion, diced carrot, celery, and parsnip. Sauté the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
3. Incorporate the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and minced garlic into the pot. Stir occasionally and let the spices toast for 3 to 5 minutes to enhance their flavors.
4. Pour in the dry red wine and deglaze the pot by stirring and scraping the bottom.
5. Add the water, drained chickpeas, undrained diced fire-roasted tomatoes, cooked grain of your choice, harissa (medium or hot, depending on your preference), and liquid smoke (optional).
6. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Stir in the baby kale and let it wilt for 3 to 4 minutes, adding a delightful burst of color and nutrients to the soup.
8. Finally, season the Spicy Chickpea and Any Grain Soup with salt and pepper according to your taste.

This recipe make it a perfect dish to share with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free or soy-free options, this soup caters to your dietary needs while treating you to a symphony of flavors in every spoonful.

Get creative, unleash your culinary imagination, and enjoy the hearty warmth of Spicy Chickpea and Any Grain Soup—it’s an adventure in every bowl!

In every spoonful of our Spicy Chickpea and Any Grain Soup, you’ll discover a harmonious blend of flavors, hearty textures, and a touch of fiery excitement. This soup’s versatility makes it the perfect canvas to create a personalized masterpiece using ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re looking to savor the creaminess of chickpeas, the earthy goodness of grains, or the boldness of aromatic spices, this soup has it all. From the smoky paprika to the customizable heat of harissa, every ingredient adds depth and character to the dish. So, let’s embrace the joy of customizing this “clean-out-the-fridge soup” while reveling in the comfort it brings to your table. As you take that first spoonful, feel the warmth embrace you, and relish in the fact that every bowl is a unique expression of your culinary creativity. Gather your loved ones, share in the pleasure of this Spicy Chickpea and Any Grain Soup, and savor the moments of togetherness, nourished by the bold flavors that make this soup truly special. Enjoy it today, tomorrow, and for years to come—it’s a delightful journey of taste that will keep you coming back for more.