Eating vegetarian doesn't have to be flavorless. This Curried Turmeric & Chickpea Soup is hearty and delicious and perfect for a cold winter day. Warms the soul.
Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil, plus more for serving
4-6 chicken thighs
salt, pepper and granulated garlic powder for seasoning chicken
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, finely chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
6 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can full fat or lite coconut milk
1.5 cartons chicken stock
Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
Warmed pita or naan bread, for serving (optional)
Directions
In a dutch oven, heat 1/4 cup oil in a large pot over medium. Add seasoned chicken thighs and sear on each side. Remove from heat and set aside. No need to cook through.
Add garlic, onion, red bell pepper and ginger to the same pot. No need to rinse. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally until onion is translucent and starts to brown a little at the edges, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric, 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons curry, and the chickpeas, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, so the chickpeas sizzle and fry a bit in the spices and oil, until they’ve started to break down and get a little browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.
Using a wooden spoon or spatula, crush chickpeas slightly to release their starchy insides. (This will help thicken the soup.) Add coconut milk and stock, and season with salt and pepper.
Dice chicken thighs and add to the party.
Bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits that have formed on the bottom of the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soup has thickened, 30 to 35 minutes. (Taste a chickpea or two, not just the liquid, to make sure they have simmered long enough to be as delicious as possible.) If after 30 to 35 minutes, you want the soup a bit thicker, keep simmering until you've reached your desired consistency. Determining perfect soup thickness is a personal journey!
Divide among bowls and top with greek yogurt and toasted pita or naan bread if using; dust the yogurt with turmeric if you'd like. Yum!
