Zuppa di Ceci Soup Recipe

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Zuppa di Ceci, or Italian chickpea soup, is a hearty and flavorful dish rooted in Italy’s rustic culinary tradition. This comforting soup combines simple ingredients to create a nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a wholesome lunch, Zuppa di Ceci offers a delightful taste of Italian home cooking. Its rich flavors and healthy ingredients make it a perfect addition to any meal rotation.

Why You Will Love the Zuppa di Ceci Soup Recipe

This Zuppa di Ceci recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and nutritious meal.

• Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas.
• Infused with aromatic herbs like rosemary and sage.
• Versatile and customizable with optional additions like spinach or pasta.
• Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
• Perfect for meal prepping and leftovers.

Ingredients You Will Need

Gather these simple ingredients to make a flavorful Zuppa di Ceci:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 sprig fresh sage, finely chopped
• 2 cans (28 oz each) whole tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Cook Zuppa di Ceci Soup

Here’s how to cook Zuppa di Ceci easily: 

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in minced garlic, rosemary, and sage. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Chickpeas

Add chopped tomatoes and chickpeas to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chickpeas whole for texture.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice

Stir in lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Zuppa di Ceci

Zuppa di Ceci is a hearty Italian chickpea soup featuring aromatic herbs, tender vegetables, and a subtly creamy texture. It’s perfect as a comforting main dish or a flavorful starter.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

Servings: 6 Servings

Course: Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 1 carrot peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary minced
• 1 sprig fresh sage finely chopped
• 2 cans 28 oz each whole tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cans 15 oz each chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil, then cook onion, carrot, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, rosemary, and sage; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Chickpeas – Add chopped tomatoes and chickpeas; stir to combine.
4. Add broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Partially blend with an immersion blender, leaving some chickpeas whole.
6. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil before serving for richness. Add small pasta or leafy greens for a heartier meal. Pairs well with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days or freeze for future meals.

Serving Tips for Zuppa di Ceci Soup

Enhance your Zuppa di Ceci experience with these serving suggestions:

• Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
• Pair with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices.
• Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale for added greens.
• Include small pasta like ditalini for a heartier meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for future meals.

Nutritional Benefits of Zuppa di Ceci Soup

Zuppa di Ceci is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:

• High in plant-based protein and dietary fiber from chickpeas.
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and potassium.
• Low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free.
• Contains antioxidants from tomatoes and herbs.
• Supports digestive health and helps maintain steady energy levels.

Conclusion

Zuppa di Ceci is a nourishing and flavorful soup that brings the taste of Italy to your table. Its wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy this hearty soup as a main dish or a satisfying starter to your meal.