If you are searching for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s packed with nourishing chickpeas, tender noodles, and vibrant vegetables swimming in a flavorful broth that is both satisfying and soul-soothing. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy all the cozy goodness of homemade soup while keeping things plant-based and nourishing, perfect for anyone craving a delicious, healthy bowl of comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating a truly memorable Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together to bring out amazing flavors, textures, and colors. Each component plays an essential role in crafting a soup that is rich, nourishing, and visually inviting.
- Chickpeas: These are the protein-packed stars that add a creamy texture and mild, buttery taste to your soup.
- Vegetable broth: The flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together into a delicious, savory broth.
- Egg-free noodles: Tender noodles bring substance and comfort, absorbing all those lovely broth flavors.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness and crunch provide a delightful contrast to the softness of noodles and chickpeas.
- Celery: Adds mild, fresh undertones that balance the soup’s richness perfectly.
- Onions and garlic: The aromatic duo that infuses the broth with deep, savory notes.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley and thyme brighten the dish and add subtle herbal freshness.
- Seasonings: Just salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika bring warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to Make Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by rinsing and draining your chickpeas to remove any excess salt or canning liquids. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery finely to allow them to soften evenly and infuse the broth with their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, gently sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery over medium heat until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften. This step unlocks their flavors and forms a delicious base for your soup.
Step 3: Add Broth and Chickpeas
Pour in your vegetable broth and add the chickpeas. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to let it simmer. This simmering melds the flavors beautifully, allowing the chickpeas to impart a subtle heartiness to the broth.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add your egg-free noodles to the simmering broth and cook until just tender. Be careful not to overcook so that the noodles stay firm and maintain their texture throughout your meal.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Just before serving, stir in fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, and sprinkle in your seasonings. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to perfectly suit your palate.
How to Serve Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or thyme right before serving to add a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness. A drizzle of lemon juice can also elevate the flavors, adding a fresh, tangy lift that balances the savory broth beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with simple sides like warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last savory drop of broth. A fresh green salad also complements the soup nicely, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm and hearty bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation. Adding crunchy toppings like toasted chickpeas or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can offer delightful texture variations, making each bite exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup Recipe holds up wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll find the flavors deepen even further with time, making the soup taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this soup on hand for busy days, it freezes beautifully. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that noodles may soften after freezing, so you might want to cook fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove to prevent the noodles from breaking down too much. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of vegetable broth or water can help rejuvenate the soup’s consistency if it thickens too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just remember that dried chickpeas need to be soaked overnight and cooked thoroughly before using. Once cooked, they can be added to the soup as you would canned chickpeas.
What type of noodles works best for this soup?
Egg-free noodles such as small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work wonderfully. Rice noodles can also be used for a gluten-free option, but be sure to add them towards the end of cooking to avoid mushiness.
Is this soup suitable for freezing with noodles included?
While you can freeze the entire soup, noodles tend to soften after freezing and reheating. If you prefer, freeze the soup base separately and cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, kale, zucchini, or peas are fantastic additions. Just add sturdier veggies early during cooking, and tender greens towards the end to keep their texture intact.
How can I boost the flavor without adding animal products?
Use umami-rich ingredients like nutritional yeast, soy sauce, or miso paste to give the broth a deeper, savory dimension that complements the chickpeas and noodles perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup Recipe is a true comfort food classic that brings warmth, nourishment, and joy with every spoonful. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your routine, this soup is sure to become a favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and cozy up with a bowl of this delightful goodness!
Print
Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup bites are a delicious and crispy snack made with broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or side dish, these tots combine tender broccoli with cheeses and subtle seasoning for a flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed and finely chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender. Once cooked, finely chop them or pulse in a food processor until they resemble small rice-sized pieces, ensuring they’re well broken down for the mixture.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix them thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the tots: Using your hands or a small scoop, form about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into small tot shapes. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the tots: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through baking, flip each tot to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Bake until the tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch, or any other preferred sauce.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli; just make sure to steam and drain well before chopping.
- Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to substitute cheeses or add herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
- If veganizing, replace the egg with a flax egg or another plant-based binder.
- These tots reheat well in an oven or air fryer for a crispy finish.
