Vegan Tuscan Chickpea Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is everything you want in a cozy meal—flavorful, hearty, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. It’s made from pantry staples and fresh produce, requires minimal prep, and is ready in under an hour. High in plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas, it’s also gluten-free and easy to customize. Serve it with crusty bread for a simple yet satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
  • Vegetable broth or water
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh or dried rosemary
  • Fresh or dried thyme
  • Bay leaf
  • Kale or spinach (or any leafy green)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional: lemon juice, fresh parsley, or chili flakes for garnish and brightness

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a bay leaf. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  4. Stir in chickpeas and pour in the vegetable broth. Mix well.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add chopped kale or spinach and cook for 5 more minutes until wilted and tender.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavor.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 45 minutes total:

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Creamy version: Blend half the soup and return it to the pot for a thicker, creamy consistency.
  • Add grains: Stir in cooked farro, rice, or small pasta like orzo for a heartier meal.
  • Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Use different greens: Swiss chard or collard greens work just as well as kale or spinach.
  • Herb twist: Swap rosemary and thyme for Italian seasoning or add fresh basil at the end.

Storage/Reheating

Let the soup cool completely before storing.

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas?

Yes, soak and cook them in advance. About 1 cup of dried chickpeas yields 2.5 to 3 cups cooked.

What type of tomatoes should I use?

Crushed tomatoes add body and richness, but diced tomatoes or tomato passata also work well.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, the base recipe is gluten-free. Just avoid adding pasta or grains that contain gluten.

Can I make it oil-free?

Yes, sauté the vegetables in water or broth instead of oil for an oil-free version.

How can I make the soup thicker?

Mash some of the chickpeas with a spoon or blend a portion of the soup, then stir it back in.

Can I add potatoes?

Absolutely. Diced potatoes make the soup heartier and more filling.

What should I serve with it?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a green salad all pair beautifully with this soup.

Can I use canned greens?

Yes, though fresh greens offer better texture. If using canned, add them at the very end and cook just to warm through.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, the flavor deepens as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes. Just let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion.

Conclusion

Vegan Tuscan Chickpea Soup is a cozy, flavorful, and nourishing dish that brings the warmth of Italian home cooking to your table. With wholesome ingredients, robust herbs, and a comforting texture, it’s a perfect plant-based meal you’ll love making again and again. Whether you enjoy it fresh off the stove or reheated as leftovers, this soup delivers hearty, satisfying goodness in every bite.

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Vegan Tuscan Chickpea Soup

Vegan Tuscan Chickpea Soup

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Vegan Tuscan Chickpea Soup is a rustic, Italian-inspired soup made with chickpeas, vegetables, herbs, and leafy greens simmered in a savory tomato broth. This wholesome, one-pot meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or hearty lunches.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

  1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. 1 medium onion, chopped
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 2 carrots, diced
  5. 2 celery stalks, diced
  6. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh)
  7. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  8. 1 bay leaf
  9. 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
  10. 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  11. 4 cups vegetable broth or water
  12. 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
  13. Salt and black pepper to taste
  14. Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened.

  1. Add garlic, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Stir in crushed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes to build flavor.
  3. Add chickpeas and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
  4. Add kale or spinach and simmer for 5 more minutes until wilted.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Remove bay leaf.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or red pepper flakes as desired.

Notes

  • Blend a portion of the soup for a thicker, creamier texture.
  • Add cooked grains like farro or pasta to make it more filling.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: undefined
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: undefined
  • Trans Fat: undefined
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 11g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
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