Chickpea and Rice Soup (Printable Version)

A warm blend of chickpeas, rice, and vegetables simmered for a hearty, comforting dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 yellow onion, chopped
02 - 1 large carrot, diced
03 - 1 celery rib, diced
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 bay leaf
06 - 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley

→ Liquids and Oils

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 8 cups vegetable broth
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

→ Grains and Legumes

10 - 1 cup white rice, rinsed
11 - 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

→ Spices and Seasonings

12 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
15 - Dash of crushed red pepper flakes

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
02 - Stir in garlic, bay leaf, thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add rinsed rice and stir constantly for 2 minutes until lightly toasted and aromatic.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
05 - Stir in chickpeas, parsley, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For enhanced flavor, allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving.