Creamy Lemon Chickpea Soup

Name: Creamy Lemon Chickpea Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium carrot, diced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 can coconut milk; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I absolutely love a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with flavor and nutrition like this Creamy Lemon Chickpea Soup. The blend of chickpeas with fresh lemon juice creates a refreshing and hearty dish that is perfect for any season. Making this soup is a breeze, as it comes together in just under 30 minutes! The creamy texture, accentuated by a splash of coconut milk, makes every spoonful a delightful experience you'll want to savor.

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2026-01-18T11:13:11.974Z

When I first tried making chickpea soup, I wasn’t sure how well the flavors would meld together. After a few attempts, I discovered that balancing the acidity of the lemon with the creaminess of the coconut milk made all the difference. It creates a nuanced flavor profile that brings the whole dish to life!

One specific tip I learned is to add the lemon juice just before serving. This keeps the soup bright and fresh without losing its zestiness during cooking. It's delicious served with crusty bread for a satisfying meal!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright and refreshing lemon flavor that invigorates the senses
Creamy consistency that’s both filling and indulgent
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners

      

The Magic of Chickpeas

Chickpeas are the star of this Creamy Lemon Chickpea Soup, providing a wonderful source of plant-based protein and fiber. Their creamy texture influenced by the coconut milk, balances beautifully with the bright acidity of the lemon. Canned chickpeas are convenient, but if you prefer cooking from scratch, soak dried chickpeas overnight and boil them until tender for an even fresher taste.

Be mindful that chickpeas can overwhelm the flavor if not seasoned adequately. As they are relatively mild, the addition of salt and pepper can significantly enhance their taste. Consider adding spices like cumin or coriander for an extra depth of flavor that complements the lemon well.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the right texture in your soup is all about balancing blending with chunkiness. If you prefer a heartier soup, blend only half of the mixture, allowing some whole chickpeas and vegetables to remain for a delightful bite. This will also create a varied mouthfeel, making each spoonful interesting and enjoyable.

When using an immersion blender, be cautious of splattering by keeping it submerged as you blend. Start on a low setting, gradually increasing speed to avoid any sudden mess. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender can work too; just be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid hot splashes.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is delicious on its own, but don’t hesitate to elevate it with some thoughtful garnishes. A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad for a more satisfying meal that complements the soup's bright flavors.

If you're making a big batch, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The soup may thicken over time, so add a splash of vegetable broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, consider freezing portions in single-serving containers for an easy meal prepped in advance.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the soup irresistible:

Main Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can coconut milk
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the preparation steps!

Instructions

Ready to make the soup? Just follow these simple steps:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Chickpeas and Broth

Add the chickpeas to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend just half of it and leave the rest whole.

Stir in Coconut Milk and Lemon Juice

Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!

Your delicious soup is ready! Enjoy the aromatic blend of flavors in every bite.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for a slight kick. You can also top the soup with a dollop of yogurt for an added creaminess.

Ingredient Adjustments

If you're looking to reduce coconut milk for dietary reasons, consider substituting it with unsweetened almond milk or a blend of yogurt and broth. This will lower the fat content while still maintaining a creamy consistency. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly altered, so adjust the lemon juice and seasonings accordingly.

For those avoiding legumes, you can substitute with diced vegetables like zucchini or potato. These will add bulk and heartiness to the soup; however, you may want to incorporate a protein source, such as shredded chicken or tofu, to round out the meal.

Quick Cooking Tips

To save even more time, you can prep your vegetables ahead of the cooking process. Dice the onion, carrot, and celery a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, when you're ready to make your soup, you can jump straight into the sautéing without needing any additional prep time.

If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce during the simmering stage. This subtle heat can balance the soup's creaminess and elevate the overall flavor, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of kick in their meals.

Flavor Enhancements

Herbs can dramatically enhance the flavor of your soup. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro or dill, can be stirred in just before serving for a fresh twist. Alternatively, dried herbs like thyme or oregano can be included during the sauté stage for a more infused herb flavor that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting the carrots and celery before adding them to the soup. This caramelization will deepen their natural sweetness and add complexity to the overall dish. Keep an eye on them while roasting; you want a nice golden-brown color without burning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead?

Yes! Just soak them overnight and boil until tender before adding them to the soup.

→ Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! The recipe is already vegan as it uses coconut milk.

→ Can I freeze the leftover soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep any leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.