Save to Pins A rustic and comforting Italian soup featuring creamy chickpeas, tender spinach, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant herbs in a savory tomato broth.
This soup is a favorite in my family especially during chilly evenings when a warm meal is the best comfort.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, 2 medium carrots diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 3 garlic cloves minced, 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- Legumes: 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas drained and rinsed
- Liquids: 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth
- Seasonings & Herbs: 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 bay leaf, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and black pepper to taste
- Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, Grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–7 minutes until softened.
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
- Step 4:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Remove the bay leaf. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the chickpeas in the pot for a creamier texture, if desired.
- Step 6:
- Stir in the spinach and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until wilted.
- Step 7:
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 8:
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan or vegan cheese if desired.
Save to Pins Sharing this soup at the family table always brings smiles and warms our hearts.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or gluten-free rolls. For a heartier soup stir in cooked small pasta or rice.
Required Tools
Large soup pot, chefs knife and cutting board, wooden spoon, potato masher or immersion blender (optional), ladle
Allergen Information
Contains celery and (if garnished) dairy. If using store-bought broth or cheese check labels for potential allergens (e.g. gluten, soy, dairy).
Save to Pins This soup is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Questions & Answers
- → What gives this dish its Tuscan flavor?
The use of dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and fresh parsley lends authentic Tuscan herbaceous notes to the savory tomato broth.
- → Can I substitute the spinach with another green?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard work well and provide similar texture and nutrients when wilted into the broth.
- → How do I achieve a creamier texture?
Mashing a portion of the chickpeas breaks them down, thickening the broth naturally without added cream.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely; all main ingredients are gluten-free. Ensure any broth or garnishes you add are free from gluten-containing additives.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve with crusty bread, gluten-free rolls, or a side of cooked small pasta or rice for a filling meal.