Creamy Zucchini Chickpea Soup with Spinach
Canned chickpeas combined with tahini thicken this simple vegetable soup and give it a creamy consistency. The chickpeas also provide satisfying plant protein and combine with the veggies to add plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Serve this easy dinner with baguette slices.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 large onion, sliced (2 cups)
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2 medium zucchini (1 pound), cut into 3/4-inch chunks (3 cups)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon ground cumin
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1 bay leaf
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2 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
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1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed
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6 cups baby spinach
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 tablespoon tahini
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon ground pepper
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6 tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley and/or chives, for garnish
Description
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Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add zucchini, garlic, cumin and bay leaf; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broth and chickpeas; bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook, covered, until the zucchini is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Add spinach and stir until it has wilted.
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In batches, puree the soup in a blender or food processor. (Use caution when blending hot liquids.) Return the soup to the pot. Add lemon juice, tahini, salt and pepper; whisk until the tahini is incorporated.
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Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a dollop of yogurt to each one and swirl it into the soup. Sprinkle with herbs, if desired.