Chickpeas & Asparagus Soup

Chickpeas & Asparagus Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas

• 1 lb. asparagus

• 1 tsp chopped ginger

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 5 cups vegetable broth

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish, optional

1. Wash and trim asparagus. Chop into roughly 1-inch pieces. Set aside a few of the asparagus tips for garnish - optional.

2. In a Dutch oven or heat oil on medium heat, sauté onion for 3 minutes.

3. Add asparagus to pot and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add chickpeas, ginger and garlic and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Pour vegetable broth over vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Remove from burner and using an immersion blender, puree vegetables. Taste and add more seasonings if needed.

6. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with reserved asparagus tips and sesame seeds.

7. Serve with your favorite crusty bread or crackers.

Serves: 4

Notes&Tips:

• This was a delicious soup. It was surprisingly very satisfying. The ginger lent a wonderful flavor to this Chickpeas & Asparagus Soup.

• Chickpeas & Asparagus Soup could work for either a lunch or as a light dinner recipe.

• I served it with homemade French Country Bread and it was very filling for dinner. In addition, if you feel you'd like more vegetables, a green salad on the side can suffice.

• If you do not possess an immersion blender, allow the soup to cool for 5 minutes then puree in a blender. You will have to do this in portions. Be careful as this is hot liquid. I would suggest to only half fill your blender.

• If you're using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse before adding to the pot. You will need about 1 1/4 to 1 1/3 cans to equal 2 cups.

• I love cooking and eating soup. They use the simplest of ingredients and produce wonderful flavors and do not require a big investment in time. Also, you can pair them up with sandwiches, salads, or just plain bread with a dab of butter.

• Do let me know if you cook this recipe and what are your thoughts. Happy cooking!