Quick-Soak Chickpea Rosemary Soup

Featured in: Simple Weekday Favorites

This dish features chickpeas soaked quickly with baking soda and combined with fragrant rosemary, tomatoes, and a mix of vegetables. It’s simmered until tender for a rich and aromatic flavor. With added lemon juice and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a satisfying main course. An optional blend creates a creamier texture, and it pairs well with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:50:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Quick-Soak Chickpea and Rosemary Soup, garnished with fresh parsley, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Steaming bowl of Quick-Soak Chickpea and Rosemary Soup, garnished with fresh parsley, ready to enjoy. | maplefrost.com

A hearty, aromatic French-inspired soup featuring quick-soaked chickpeas, fragrant rosemary, and a medley of vegetables. Perfect for a nourishing weeknight meal.

I first made this soup on a chilly evening and was amazed by how comforting and filling it was with such simple ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Legumes: 1 cup (200 g) dried chickpeas 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for soaking)
  • Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion finely chopped 2 medium carrots diced 2 celery stalks diced 3 garlic cloves minced 1 medium potato peeled and diced 1 (400 g) can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes chopped)
  • Herbs & Seasonings: 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary) 2 bay leaves 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Liquids: 5 cups (1.2 L) vegetable broth 2 cups (500 ml) water
  • Finish: 1 tablespoon lemon juice Chopped fresh parsley for garnish Crusty bread to serve (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Rinse chickpeas and place in a saucepan with baking soda. Cover with plenty of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes then remove from heat cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
Step 2:
In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion carrots and celery sauté for 5 6 minutes until softened.
Step 3:
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add potato and tomatoes mixing well.
Step 4:
Add the soaked chickpeas rosemary bay leaves smoked paprika (if using) vegetable broth and water. Bring to a boil.
Step 5:
Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40 45 minutes or until chickpeas are tender.
Step 6:
Remove rosemary sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7:
For a creamier texture use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup if desired.
Step 8:
Ladle into bowls garnish with chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread.
Save to Pinterest
| maplefrost.com

This soup has become a family favorite on cold nights reminding us of cozy dinners together.

Required Tools

Large saucepan Large soup pot Chefs knife Cutting board Immersion blender (optional) Ladle

Allergen Information

Contains None of the major allergens as listed but check broth and bread labels for gluten dairy or other allergens if sensitive Always verify packaged ingredient labels for cross-contamination or hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 290 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 45 g Protein 10 g

Aromatic Quick-Soak Chickpea and Rosemary Soup reveals soft chickpeas and vibrant vegetable pieces; a comforting meal. Save to Pinterest
Aromatic Quick-Soak Chickpea and Rosemary Soup reveals soft chickpeas and vibrant vegetable pieces; a comforting meal. | maplefrost.com

This soup is easy to customize and perfect to enjoy throughout the week.

Recipe FAQs

How does quick-soaking chickpeas affect cooking time?

Quick-soaking with baking soda softens chickpeas, reducing their cooking time while preserving texture and flavor.

Can I substitute dried rosemary with dried herbs?

Yes, dried rosemary can be used; use about one teaspoon for a similar aromatic effect.

What’s the best way to achieve a creamier texture?

Using an immersion blender to partially blend the soup adds a smooth, creamy texture without cream.

Is it possible to add extra vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely, diced zucchini or spinach can be added for more nutrients and variety.

What wine pairs well with this flavorful dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the herbs and legumes, enhancing the overall balance.

Quick-Soak Chickpea Rosemary Soup

A hearty blend of chickpeas, rosemary, and vegetables for a nourishing and aromatic main dish.

Prep time
20 minutes
Time to cook
45 minutes
Overall time
65 minutes
Created by Hannah Marlowe


Level Easy

Cuisine type French

Makes 4 Portions

Diet preferences Meat-free, No dairy, No gluten

What You’ll Need

Legumes

01 1 cup dried chickpeas
02 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for soaking)

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 medium carrots, diced
04 2 celery stalks, diced
05 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
07 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped

Herbs & Seasonings

01 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
02 2 bay leaves
03 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Liquids

01 5 cups vegetable broth
02 2 cups water

Finish

01 1 tablespoon lemon juice
02 Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
03 Crusty bread, to serve (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Quick Soak Chickpeas: Rinse chickpeas and place in a saucepan with baking soda. Cover generously with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Cover and let soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse thoroughly.

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Add Garlic and Vegetables: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add diced potato and diced tomatoes, mixing well.

Step 04

Combine Chickpeas and Liquid: Add soaked chickpeas, rosemary, bay leaves, smoked paprika if using, vegetable broth, and water. Bring mixture to a boil.

Step 05

Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 40 to 45 minutes until chickpeas are tender.

Step 06

Finish Seasoning: Remove rosemary sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 07

Optional Blending: For a creamier texture, partially blend the soup using an immersion blender as desired.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with crusty bread if desired.

Equipment you’ll need

  • Large saucepan
  • Large soup pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Immersion blender (optional)
  • Ladle

Allergy details

Be sure to review ingredient lists for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • No major allergens present; verify broth and bread labels for gluten, dairy, or other potential allergens if sensitive.

Nutrition info (per portion)

All nutrition info is just for reference and can’t replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 290
  • Total fat: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams
  • Proteins: 10 grams