Description
Hearty Turmeric Soup with Chickpeas dances with Mediterranean warmth, blending golden spices and comforting textures. Creamy orzo and tender spinach create a nourishing bowl that brings Mediterranean comfort directly to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 (15-ounces) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1/2 cup whole wheat orzo
- 4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
Spices and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and/or parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Optional Toppings:
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon wedges
- Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat (around 350°F), creating a sizzling base for flavor development.
- Introduce diced onions to the heated oil, sautéing for approximately 5 minutes until they transform into a golden, translucent state with soft, caramelized edges.
- Incorporate minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, chickpeas, salt, and black pepper into the aromatic foundation, stirring continuously for 5 minutes to activate spice molecules and create a rich, fragrant layer.
- Gently crush a portion of the chickpeas using a potato masher, leaving some intact to provide textural contrast and help thicken the soup’s consistency.
- Deglaze the pot with broth, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom to capture maximum flavor potential.
- Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then introduce orzo pasta, reducing heat to low and covering the pot for 15 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente tenderness.
- Fold in fresh spinach, cilantro, and parsley, allowing the greens to gently wilt and integrate into the soup’s vibrant profile (2-3 minutes).
- Brighten the soup’s flavor profile by stirring in fresh lemon or lime juice, then adjust seasoning to personal taste preferences.
- Serve piping hot, embellishing with optional garnishes like a drizzle of olive oil, red pepper flakes, citrus wedges, or a creamy dollop of Greek yogurt to enhance visual and gustatory appeal.
Notes
- Boost flavor by toasting whole spices like cumin and turmeric in oil before adding other ingredients for a deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid amount or mashing more chickpeas for a heartier texture, perfect for cold days.
- Make it vegan by replacing Greek yogurt with cashew cream or coconut yogurt, maintaining the creamy garnish without dairy.
- Swap orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice for gluten-free and lower-carb alternatives that still provide satisfying substance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg