Spanish Chickpea Soup

Cookinero 7 Mar 2025

Spanish chickpea soup, or potaje, is a thick first course made with vegetables and spices. This soup is ideal for those who are fasting or vegetarian, as it does not contain any animal products. Before cooking, soak the chickpeas overnight to plump them up. Most of the preparation of the soup is spent boiling the chickpeas, but the process itself is quite simple. You can add your favorite spices to the soup if desired.

How to cook Spanish Chickpea Soup

Step 1

Spanish Chickpea Soup

Prepare the soup base. Place the chickpeas in a saucepan and cook in plenty of water for 120 minutes. Start preparing the vegetable broth. Pour 1 liter of cold water over the leeks, celery, and carrots, add a whole onion, and put on the fire. When the water boils, add 2 sprigs of thyme. Cook for 20 minutes. Strain the finished broth through a sieve.

Step 2

Spanish Chickpea Soup

Prepare the vegetables for the soup. Heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the onion for 1 minute. Then add the grated carrots, after 1 minute add the pepper to the pan. Sauté everything together for another 3 minutes. Then add the chopped tomatoes with their juice and the paprika. Cook for another 5 minutes. Add the garlic at the end and cook for another minute.

Step 3

Spanish Chickpea Soup

Combine the bases and finish cooking. Add the strained vegetable broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Then add the boiled chickpeas. Cook for 10 minutes. Add the spinach and bay leaf to the soup and cook for another 5 minutes. At the end of cooking, add salt, pepper and a sprig of thyme, cover and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Spanish Chickpea Soup - FAQ About Ingredients, Baking Time and Storage

Yes, you can substitute dried chickpeas with canned ones. Use 2 (15-oz) cans, drained and rinsed, and skip the initial 2-hour cooking. Add them in Step 3 where boiled chickpeas are mentioned.
Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if too thick.
It’s already vegetarian! To make it vegan, ensure the vegetable broth is vegan (no honey or dairy-based additives) and skip any non-vegan garnishes like cheese or cream.
For a lower-carb option, replace chickpeas with diced zucchini or cauliflower florets. Adjust cooking time accordingly since they soften faster.
Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Stir well as separation may occur.
Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions, or stir in a dash of hot sauce before serving. Garnish with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Serve with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or Spanish-inspired sides like patatas bravas or marinated olives for a fuller meal.
Absolutely! Swap fresh spinach with 1 cup thawed and drained frozen spinach. Add it in Step 3 as you would fresh, squeezing out excess water first.

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