If you’re dreaming of a comforting, soul-warming bowl of soup that’s as creamy as it is nourishing, this Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup is about to steal your heart (and your spoon!). Packed with hearty chickpeas, tender veggies, a swirl of coconut cream, and that unmistakable Italian flair, this soup delivers cozy, rustic goodness in every single bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Without Dairy: Thanks to coconut cream and blended veggies, you’ll be amazed at the luscious texture—no milk or cheese required.
- Packed With Goodness: Protein-rich chickpeas, vitamin-filled kale, and a rainbow of vegetables mean this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Vibrant Tuscan Flavors: A blend of sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and just a hint of chili brings authentic Italian countryside vibes to your kitchen.
- Simple, One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and easy steps make this an ideal weeknight dinner or cozy weekend lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup are humble yet thoughtfully chosen—each adds its own layer of flavor, color, or heartiness. Here’s a peek at what you’ll need and why each one truly matters.
- Olive oil: A foundation of silky richness, olive oil is essential for sautéing your aromatics and coaxing out their sweetness.
- Onion, carrots, and celery: Classic Italian soffritto brings aromatic depth and a gentle sweetness to every spoonful.
- Garlic: Fresh, finely chopped garlic offers a beautiful, fragrant punch that underlines the Tuscan profile.
- Italian seasoning & red chili flakes: These add herbaceous warmth and a subtle touch of heat—use more or less to suit your taste!
- Tomato paste: This concentrated burst of tomato flavor enriches the broth and deepens the soup’s lovely color.
- Chickpeas: The protein powerhouse of the soup—they lend creaminess, texture, and gentle nuttiness.
- Potatoes: Cubed potatoes melt into the broth, helping thicken the soup for that signature creamy consistency.
- Vegetable stock: The soul of your soup—a good, rich stock brings everything together beautifully.
- Coconut cream: The secret weapon for a dreamy, dairy-free finish with a hint of natural sweetness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These little gems amp up the Tuscan flavor and add chewy, tangy bites throughout.
- Black kale (cavolo nero): Earthy and hearty, this leafy green wilts gorgeously and complements the comforting vibe of the soup.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: For balancing and brightening every flavor.
Variations
The beauty of this Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup is how wonderfully it adapts to whatever you have on hand or crave! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this nourishing pot your own.
- Swap the greens: If you can’t find black kale, baby spinach or regular curly kale will wilt in just as beautifully.
- Make it spicy: Love some heat? Add extra red chili flakes, or stir in a bit of Calabrian chili paste for a fiery kick.
- Protein power: Try adding cooked Italian sausage (plant-based or traditional) for a heartier meal.
- Switch out the coconut cream: Use cashew cream, regular cream, or even a splash of oat milk for a different kind of creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies soften and your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 2: Layer in Flavor
Add the chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Let everything cook for another minute so the garlic turns fragrant and the spices bloom, but be sure not to let the garlic brown—gentle heat is your friend here.
Step 3: Build the Base
Stir in the tomato paste, then add the chickpeas, potatoes, and vegetable stock. Bring the pot to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to let things simmer gently. Cook for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and everything is mingling together.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
For that signature “creamy” texture, scoop out a couple of ladlefuls of the soup and blend until smooth (either in a blender or with an immersion blender), then return it to the pot. This thickens the broth without any extra fuss or dairy.
Step 5: Finish With Flavor
Add in the coconut cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and kale. Simmer for just 3-5 more minutes—just until the kale wilts but stays vibrant green. Taste, season with salt and pepper, and your Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup is ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup
- Blending Trick for Dreamy Texture: Don’t skip the blending step—blending just part of the soup (not all of it!) gives you creamy body while keeping plenty of delicious chunky bits, too.
- How to Prep Kale Easily: Strip the kale leaves from their stems and chop them just before adding—this keeps the soup mellow and avoids fibrous bites.
- Customize the Cream Factor: For ultra-rich soup, add more coconut cream or simmer a little longer to thicken. Use less if you prefer it lighter or want the veggies to shine.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Power-Up: If your sun-dried tomatoes are very dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first for extra tenderness and flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, top your Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup with a generous drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper, and maybe a shower of chopped fresh parsley or basil. For added richness, you can swirl in a spoonful of coconut cream or scatter a few toasted pine nuts on top.
Side Dishes
This soup truly shines alongside rustic accompaniments—think toasted sourdough, warm focaccia, or hearty multigrain rolls. If you’re feeling classic, pair with a crisp mixed green salad or a simple tomato bruschetta to keep those Italian vibes going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup into shallow bowls for that bistro feel, or serve it shot-glass style at a party. For casual gatherings, bring the pot right to the table so everyone can help themselves—family-style always wins hearts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making each bowl even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Simply let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat from frozen, adding a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much.
Reheating
To reheat, use a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a little extra broth or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
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Is Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup vegan?
Yes! This recipe is completely plant-based, using coconut cream instead of dairy for that lush, creamy texture. It’s both vegan and gluten-free, perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
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Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely. Just be sure to soak and pre-cook the dried chickpeas until tender before adding them to the soup. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked chickpeas for this recipe.
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What can I substitute for coconut cream?
You can use cashew cream, regular heavy cream (if not dairy-free), or an unsweetened plant-based cream alternative. Each will bring a slightly different character but keep the soup beautifully creamy.
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How can I make this soup even thicker?
Blend more of the soup or mash some of the potatoes and chickpeas right in the pot as it simmers. This gives the Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup an even heartier, stew-like feel.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s both wholesome and luxurious, Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup is the answer—simple, hearty, and absolutely unforgettable. There’s so much comfort packed into every spoonful. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite at your table!
PrintCreamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Tuscany with this creamy Tuscan chickpea soup. Packed with hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs, this soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3–4 celery stalks, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
Seasonings:
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 lb (225 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 5 cups (1.25 liter) vegetable stock
- 1 cup (250 ml) coconut cream
- 1/2 cup (30 g) sundried tomatoes
- 2 cups (75 g) black kale (cavolo nero)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in tomato paste, chickpeas, potatoes, and vegetable stock. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Blend Soup (Optional): For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup until smooth and return it to the pot.
- Add Cream and Greens: Stir in coconut cream, sundried tomatoes, and black kale. Simmer until kale is wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg