Spicy Chorizo and Chickpea Soup a Taste of Spain
Recipe Introduction: Spicy Chorizo Chickpea Soup
Alright, mate, let's get this stew bubbling! Are you ready for soup season ? Fancy something warm and comforting? I've got you covered.
This Spicy Chorizo Soup is the perfect bowl of sunshine. It's packed with flavour.
A Spanish Adventure in a Bowl
This Spanish Soup Recipe is inspired by the amazing flavors of Spain. Think smoky chorizo and earthy chickpeas. This is proper comfort food recipes .
It's a medium difficulty recipe that takes about an hour. It makes 6 servings.
Why You'll Love This Chickpea Soup
Honestly, this soup is a hug in a bowl. Chickpeas are brilliant for you. They're full of fiber and protein.
It’s great on a cold night when the wind is howling. It will quickly become one of your best soup recipes .
Ingredients That Make It Cracking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped.
- 4 ounces Spanish chorizo, chopped.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
- 6 cups chicken broth.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.
- Lemon wedges, for serving.
Let's Get Started
So, ditch the ready meals. Let's get cooking and celebrate these autumn soup recipes .
And there you have it! Everything you need to make a cracking version of one of the fall soup ideas that would be perfect as a soup recipe for cold weather.
Enjoy, and don't forget to let me know how it turns out! This really is the perfect soup for autumn evenings!
Ingredients & Equipment for a Cracking Soup Season !
Okay, mate, let's get this stew bubbling! A Spicy Chorizo Soup is calling our name. This Spanish Soup Recipe is all about quality ingredients.
The better the ingredients, the tastier the soup. Honestly, you can taste the difference! I remember once trying to skimp and the whole thing was a disaster.
Main Players in Our Hearty Soup Recipe
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ).
- Onion: 1 large, yellow onion (about 1 ½ cups , 225 g ), chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves (around 2 teaspoons , 6 g ), minced.
- Red bell pepper: 1 (about 1 cup , 150 g ), seeded and chopped.
- Spanish chorizo: 4 ounces ( 113 g ), casing removed and chopped. Go for good quality! It makes all the difference for this Best Soup Recipe .
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ).
- Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) adjust to your liking.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can ( 411 g ), undrained.
- Chicken broth: 6 cups ( 1.4 L ), low sodium.
- Chickpeas : 2 (15-ounce) cans ( 850 g total), drained and rinsed.
- Spinach: 1 cup ( 240 ml ), chopped fresh.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional).
- Lemon wedges: For serving (optional).
For the Chorizo, look for a firm texture and vibrant color. If the chorizo looks pale and greasy, steer clear! You're going to want a proper spanish Chorizo, for a top notch Autumn Soup Recipe
Seasoning Notes for Soup Ideas for Cold Weather
Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper are key here. They create a lovely smoky heat. No smoked paprika? A regular paprika with a pinch of chipotle powder will do in a pinch.
For aromatics, fresh garlic is a must. If you only have garlic powder, use about ½ teaspoon . It wont be quite the same, but it will do the trick.
Equipment Needed for Comfort Food Recipe Success
- A large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot.
- A cutting board.
- A sharp chef's knife.
- A wooden spoon.
If you don't have a Dutch oven, any large pot will work. The key is to have something with a heavy bottom to distribute the heat evenly.
A potato masher or the back of a spoon can work instead of a chef's knife. Honestly, as long as you can chop roughly, you're golden.
You know?
Cooking Method: Unlock the Flavours of Spicy Chorizo and Chickpea Soup
Okay, mate, let's get this stew bubbling! Ready to dive into the heart of making this Spicy Chorizo Soup ? It is a perfect dish as the days get shorter.
Seriously, soup season is upon us. It's all about warming from the inside out with easy comfort food recipes . So let's transform simple ingredients into a bowl of pure sunshine.
Prep Steps: Your Essential Mise en Place
First things first, get organized. It helps. Chop 1 large yellow onion, mince 2 cloves of garlic, and chop 1 red bell pepper.
Next, remove the casing from 4 ounces of Spanish chorizo. Chop the chorizo. Trust me, this makes the cooking process a breeze.
Having everything ready means you can focus on the flavors, not frantic chopping. Time saving organization tips are a game changer!
step-by-step Process: From Prep to Plate
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes .
- Add garlic and red bell pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes .
- Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute .
- Add 1 can diced tomatoes and 6 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add 2 cans chickpeas and simmer for at least 20 minutes . (up to 45!)
- Stir in 1 cup spinach. Cook until wilted, about 2 minutes . Season with salt and pepper.
Pro Tips: Secret Ingredient to soup perfection
Want to elevate your soup? Here's a pro tip: don't skimp on the chorizo! Get good quality stuff. It makes a HUGE difference.
Also, taste as you go. Adjust the spice level to your liking. Some like it hot!
One common mistake? Rushing the chorizo browning. Don’t do it. Let it get nice and crispy. Avoid common mistakes by taking your time. Honestly, the browned chorizo makes all the difference.
And for make-ahead magic, this soup is great the next day. The flavours meld even more. Just saying, make-ahead options rock.
This hearty soup recipe will give you a taste of Spain and you'll warm up your soul, I promise. The best fall soup ideas are those that bring comfort and joy.
This Spanish inspired soup recipe is ideal for cold weather . It might even become one of your best soup recipes ever.
It's all about creating that perfect autumn soup recipe and kickstarting soup season with a bang! This spicy chorizo soup is so delicious that you will be saying "gracias" after every bite.
Recipe Notes and Nifty Nuggets
Okay, mate, let's get this soup season stew bubbling! You've got your ingredients, you've got your instructions. Now, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs to make this Spicy Chorizo and Chickpea Soup truly special.
These bits and bobs is what makes this one of the best soup recipes to warm your cockles.
Plating Power and Perfect Pairings
Honestly, even the simplest comfort food recipes can look posh with a little love. For this Spanish soup recipe , I reckon a rustic bowl does the trick.
A swirl of olive oil on top, a sprinkle of that fresh parsley, and chef's kiss .
As for sides, some crusty bread is always a winner for dipping into the spicy chorizo soup . Fancy a drink? A glass of Rioja or even a crisp Albariño would be smashing.
Storing Secrets
Right, so you've made a big batch of this hearty soup recipe , what next? Well, it keeps like a dream in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Just make sure it's cooled down properly first.
Freezing? Absolutely! Pop it into freezer safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top because liquids expand when frozen, you know? It'll happily sit there for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the hob, stirring occasionally. Remember, always ensure the soup is piping hot before serving again!
Switching it Up
Fancy a change? No problem! Want a veggie version? Ditch the chorizo, add extra chickpeas. You can add smoked paprika, and a touch of liquid smoke for a smoky depth.
Maybe try swapping the spinach for kale, especially as we head further into autumn. These are also considered autumn soup recipes .
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Alright, a quick heads-up. One serving of this Spicy Chorizo and Chickpea Soup clocks in at around 320 calories. You're getting about 20g of protein, which is great for keeping you full, and a decent dose of fibre too.
Just remember, these are estimates, as mentioned above. This is also a good soup recipe for cold weather .
So there you have it. I hope I've made this easy enough to replicate. Enjoy your fall soup ideas , enjoy "soup season" and happy cooking, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Spicy Chorizo and Chickpea Soup really that spicy? I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to heat!
Not to worry, mate! The spice level is totally adjustable. The recipe calls for ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but you can absolutely start with just a pinch or omit it altogether.
The smoked paprika still adds a lovely warmth, and you can always add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end if you're feeling brave.
I can't find Spanish chorizo. What can I use instead?
Crikey, that's a pain! But don't fret, you have a few options. Italian sausage (removed from its casing) or Andouille sausage can be used as a substitute. These will give you a slightly different flavour profile, but still add a good depth of flavour to the soup.
You could also use smoked bacon lardons for a smoky touch.
How long does this soup last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?
This Spicy Chorizo and Chickpea Soup is even better the next day, like a good curry! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months).
Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I make this soup vegetarian, and what substitutions can I use?
Absolutely! To make a veggie version of this Spicy Chorizo and Chickpea soup, simply omit the chorizo. To mimic the smoky flavor, use smoked paprika (already in the recipe) and a dash of liquid smoke. You can also add an extra can of chickpeas or other vegetables like sweet potatoes or squash for added heartiness.
Canned cannellini beans or great northern beans can also be substituted for chickpeas.
I'm trying to eat healthier. What are the nutritional benefits of this soup, and are there ways to make it even healthier?
This Spicy Chorizo and Chickpea Soup is packed with goodness! It's a great source of protein and fiber, thanks to the chickpeas, and it's loaded with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
To make it even healthier, use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce the amount of chorizo, and add more vegetables like kale or spinach. You could also use turkey chorizo to cut down on fat.
When is the best time to make soup? Is there a definitive "soup season"?
While you can enjoy soup year round, "soup season" is generally considered to be autumn and winter when the weather turns cooler. This Spicy Chorizo and Chickpea Soup is perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something warm and comforting.
However, don't let that stop you from enjoying it in the summer - a chilled gazpacho is a delicious alternative!
Spicy Chorizo And Chickpea Soup A Taste Of Spain
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 8g |
