Creamy Lemon Chickpea Soup

Name: Creamy Lemon Chickpea Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested; 1 cup coconut cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making this Creamy Lemon Chickpea Soup. It's a delightful blend of flavors that not only warms the body but also refreshes the soul. The zesty lemon brightens the chickpeas and creaminess, creating a balanced dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use pantry staples and delivers a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Whether it's a rainy day or a sunny one, this soup is sure to perk up your mood!

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:28:13.009Z

When I first experimented with this Creamy Lemon Chickpea Soup, I was astounded by how a simple ingredient like lemon could transform a humble dish into something extraordinary. The vibrant flavor it adds is unmatched and brightens the entire bowl. I've also found that blending half the chickpeas creates a thicker, creamier texture while leaving the rest whole adds some delightful bites.

This soup is not just quick to make, but it is also versatile! I often throw in whatever greens I have on hand, like spinach or kale, for an extra nutritional boost. It's fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight dinner; I think you’ll love it!

        Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
        Zesty lemon flavor that invigorates every bite
Creamy consistency that brings comfort in every spoonful
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Creamy Lemon Chickpea Soup plays a crucial role in achieving its delightful flavor and texture. The chickpeas aren’t just a source of protein; they also add body to the soup, allowing it to feel hearty without weighing you down. When rinsed properly, they eliminate excess salt from the canning process, which can help balance the overall flavor of the dish.

The addition of coconut cream is not only for rich creaminess but also provides a natural sweetness that complements the zesty lemon. If you're looking to reduce calories or avoid coconut, you can substitute with a cashew cream by blending soaked cashews with water until smooth. This gives you a similar creamy texture without the coconut flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Creaminess

Blending half of the soup is a key technique that creates a lovely creamy texture. If you’re using an immersion blender, be sure to blend until it has a uniform consistency with only small chunks remaining for a rustic feel. Over-blending can lead to a very creamy soup that may lose some of its enjoyable texture, so aim for a mix between smooth and chunky.

For those new to cooking with coconut cream, it's important to remember that it can separate if heated too rapidly. When adding it to the soup, reduce the heat to low and stir continuously to incorporate smoothly without curdling. This should only take about 2-3 minutes in the soup to become fully heated.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make a delightful bowl of soup. You’ll love how easy it comes together for a meal!

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups vegetable broth
1 medium lemon, juiced and zested
1 cup coconut cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Adjust the seasoning to your taste and don’t forget to add plenty of lemon zest for that incredible aroma!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your creamy soup in no time!

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Chickpeas and Broth

Add the chickpeas and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Blend for Creaminess

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend half of the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer half of the soup to a regular blender. Return the blended mixture to the pot.

Stir in Cream and Lemon

Add the coconut cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pot. Stir well and let it heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Lemon Chickpea Soup!

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to enhance the depth of the soup.

Storing and Reheating

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for meal prep. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before sealing it tightly in a container.

Reheating the soup is simple. Pour it into a saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

To elevate your Creamy Lemon Chickpea Soup further, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. The soup's acidity pairs perfectly with a simple mixed greens salad topped with a light vinaigrette. This balance provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.

Another delightful pairing is a sprinkle of croutons or roasted chickpeas on top for some added crunch. Not only does it enhance the visual appeal, but the texture difference is sure to create a more satisfying experience with each spoonful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, just soak and cook them beforehand according to package instructions, as dried chickpeas take longer to prepare.

→ Is there a substitute for coconut cream?

You can substitute with heavy cream or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream for a similar texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

→ Can this soup be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the soup! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.