Herbed Chickpea Soup with Tiny Pasta

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €3.24 · €0.81/serving

• 2 tablespoons of exquisite extra virgin olive oilEst. price €0.12–€0.30
• 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced (pat dry with paper towels to remove excess oil)Est. price €0.75–€1.50
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste (season generously but taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning)Est. price €0.01–€0.03
• 2 to 3 cloves of aromatic garlic, finely minced (let garlic rest for 10 minutes after mincing to enhance flavor)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• One 28-ounce can of luscious crushed tomatoesEst. price €0.35–€0.70
• 1 cup of petite pasta such as ditalini or farfalle (cook pasta al dente for best texture)Est. price €0.40–€0.80
• One 15- to 16-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and thoroughly rinsedEst. price €0.60–€1.20
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of delicate basil leaves, thinly sliced to preferenceEst. price €0.50–€1.00
• 2 teaspoons of vibrant paprika (toast paprika in a dry pan for a few seconds to intensify its flavor)Est. price €0.08–€0.15
• 1/4 cup of freshly minced parsley (add parsley at the end of cooking to maintain its fresh flavor)Est. price €0.25–€0.50

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by warming the oil in a large soup pot over low heat. Introduce the garlic into the pot, and sauté until it turns a golden hue.

2. 2

   Pour 4 cups of water into a pot and bring it to a rapid simmer. Once the water is simmering, add the pasta and stir well. Allow the pasta to cook following the instructions on the package until it reaches a firm yet tender texture known as al dente.

3. 3

   Incorporate the rest of the ingredients into the mixture, excluding the salt and pepper. Bring it back to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it simmer for 8 minutes. After that, season with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Chickpeas have been a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines for centuries, showcasing the cultural significance of this ingredient. The use of herbs like basil, parsley, and dill reflects the influence of Italian and Mediterranean culinary traditions in this dish.

• Seasonal note

  This Herbed Chickpea Soup with Tiny Pasta is perfect for cooler months when fresh herbs like basil and parsley are abundant. Chickpeas are available year-round, making this a versatile dish for any season.

• Health note

  This soup is a nutritious choice, providing a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like A, C, and K. The combination of chickpeas and pasta offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates and protein, while the herbs add antioxidants and flavor.