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Zuppa di Ceci  #primipiatti #primipiattiitaliani #zuppadiceci #primipiattiveloci #pastalover #straviziamoci #italianfood #foodporn #foodstagram #foodphotography #cucinaitaliana #cucinareconamore #cucinareperpassione #cucinatradizionale Zuppa di Ceci (Italian Chickpea Soup)

Zuppa di Ceci

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Course Soup
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Ladle for serving
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • 1½ cups dried chickpeas soaked overnight and drained (or 3 cups canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin for authentic flavor
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium carrot diced
  • 1 stalk celery diced
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes or 2 medium fresh tomatoes, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Prep the Chickpeas
  • If using dried chickpeas, rinse them well and soak them in water overnight. The next day, drain and rinse them again. If using canned chickpeas, simply drain and rinse.
  • Sauté the Vegetables
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
  • Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for another 3–4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add the bay leaf, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Add Chickpeas and Broth
  • Pour in the chickpeas and broth. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Simmer the Soup
  • Once the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–45 minutes. If using canned chickpeas, check around the 30-minute mark as they cook faster. The chickpeas should be tender but not mushy.
  • Adjust Seasoning and Texture
  • Once the chickpeas are tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup until you reach your desired texture. You can also scoop out a cup of soup, blend it, and then return it to the pot.
  • Serve and Garnish
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Keyword Zuppa, Zuppa di Ceci