Imagine a soup that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul! This Middle Eastern-inspired Spicy Cabbage Chickpea Soup is about to become your new obsession, combining hearty vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and a symphony of bold spices that will transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining experience. Get ready to discover a recipe that's not just delicious, but also incredibly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the cabbage, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Sprinkle cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper into the pot, stirring to coat the onions and garlic with the spices. Toast the spices for about 1 minute to enhance their flavor profile.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped cabbage and drained chickpeas to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust spice levels by adding more cayenne if you prefer a more intense heat.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Spice Toasting Secret: Always toast your spices before adding liquids to unlock their maximum flavor potential. This technique releases essential oils and creates a more complex taste profile.
- Cabbage Texture Matters: Chop your cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. You want tender, not mushy vegetables.
- Heat Control: Start with a small amount of cayenne and adjust to your spice tolerance. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can't take it away!
- Broth Boost: For an extra flavor dimension, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding a splash of white wine during cooking.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify overnight.
- Garnish Game: Elevate your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
