Spicy Chickpea Soup

A Fiery Bond: The Tale Behind Our Beloved Chickpea Soup

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Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Serves: 6

At the heart of every culinary journey lies a story that intertwines flavors, emotions, and connection. Our Spicy Chickpea Soup weaves a captivating tale—a dish that binds us as a couple and resonates with cherished memories. It all began on our second date, when this soul-warming soup served as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to Jo, who had tirelessly fixed my ailing 3D printer. Little did we know that this humble bowl of warmth would become an enduring favorite, a testament to the remarkable fusion of food and love. Join us as we share the treasured recipe for our Spicy Chickpea Soup, a culinary creation that embodies the profound meaning it holds for us at Nutmeg.

Ingredients:

• Meat:

  • 1 pack of ground mild Italian sausage (16 oz)

• Canned Goods:

  • 2 cans of chickpeas (15 oz)

  • 1 can of coconut milk (13 oz)

  • 1 can of tomato sauce (15 oz)

  • 1 can of tomato paste

• Produce:

  • 1 large tomato

  • 1 sweet onion

  • 1 habanero pepper

  • 2 bunches of Dinosaur kale or a 5 oz bag of chopped kale

  • 3 sweet potatoes

  • 1 bunch of carrot sticks

  • 1 bunch of celery sticks

  • 4 sprigs of basil

• Seasonings:

  • ½ tbsp of seasoned salt

  • ½ tbsp of red pepper flakes

  • 2 tbsp of brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper

  • ½ tbsp of caribbean curry seasoning

• Water and Oils:

  • 4 cups of water

  • 1/4 cup of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics:

   • In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces.

   • Dice the sweet onion and habanero pepper. Add them to the pot and sauté until the onion turns translucent and the peppers release their fragrance.

2. Add the Vegetables:

   • Peel and dice the sweet potatoes. Cut the carrot sticks and celery into bite-sized pieces. Chop the tomato. Add these vegetables to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.

3. Incorporate the Canned Goods:

   • Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Add them to the pot, followed by the coconut milk, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Season and Simmer:

   • Add the seasoned salt, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, chili powder, black pepper and caribbean curry. Stir to distribute the spices evenly.

   • Pour in the water, cover the pot, and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Add the Greens and Finish:

   • Wash the Dinosaur kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Tear the leaves into smaller pieces or add the pre-chopped kale to the pot.

   • Stir the kale into the soup and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes until the leaves wilt and become tender.

   • Finally, chop the fresh basil and sprinkle it over the soup for a burst of herbaceous flavor.

Culinary alchemy happens when humble ingredients and cherished memories intertwine, creating a dish that nourishes both the body and soul. Our Spicy Chickpea Soup has become an emblem of the special bond we share, capturing the essence of love, gratitude, and the joy of cooking. As we savor each spoonful, we are reminded of the power of food to forge connections and ignite lasting memories. Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening or shared with loved ones, this soul-warming soup invites you to embrace the warmth of flavors and the magic of togetherness. Prepare a pot of our Spicy Chickpea Soup, and let it become a part of your own culinary narrative—a reminder that every meal holds the potential to create enduring moments and celebrate the simple joys of life.