Chicken Chickpea Soup

Indulge in the heartiness of Chickpea Soup with Chicken, a comforting dish that marries tender chickpeas with the savory essence of chicken. This recipe boasts rich flavors and a silky texture, making it a delightful choice for a nourishing meal.

SERVES 6
PREP 15 MIN
PLUS OVERNIGHT SOAKING
COOK 1 HR 40 MIN
FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS

INGREDIENTS:

• 7 oz (200g) chickpeas, soaked in water overnight, then drained
• 2½ quarts (2.5 liters) cold water
• 1 chicken drumstick
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium leek, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup (100ml) dry white wine
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, to serve
• 2 tbsp chopped chives and parsley, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the soaked chickpeas in a saucepan with plenty of cold water and bring them to a boil. Skim away any foam that forms on the surface using a slotted spoon. Drain the chickpeas and return them to the pan. Add the cold water and the chicken drumstick. Bring the mixture to a boil once more, skimming as needed. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for approximately 1½ hours or until the chickpeas are tender. After 45 minutes, remove the chicken drumstick, separate the meat, and set it aside.
2. In a frying pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the chopped celery, onion, and leek, and sauté for 5–10 minutes until they become soft. Add the sliced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking for another minute. Add this mixture to the chickpeas and stir in the cooked chicken. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
3.  Transfer the soup to a blender and process it in batches until it becomes smooth. Gradually add the white wine, lemon juice, and the remaining olive oil in three or four stages while blending. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Return the blended soup to the pan and heat it through.
4. Serve the Chickpea Soup with Chicken in six bowls. Drizzle 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil over each serving and garnish with chopped chives and parsley for a delightful finish.

Enjoy your Chickpea Soup with Chicken, a comforting and wholesome dish that combines the earthy flavors of chickpeas with the succulent essence of chicken. It’s a delightful choice for a nourishing meal that brings warmth to your table.

Savor the heartwarming flavors of Chickpea Soup with Chicken, a delightful dish that embodies comfort and nourishment. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty main course or a soothing appetizer, this soup is a testament to the rich combination of tender chickpeas and savory chicken. With the drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the fresh garnish of chives and parsley, it’s a dish that elevates your dining experience with each spoonful.