Imagine a soup so luxuriously smooth and packed with Mediterranean flavors that it transforms ordinary summer squash into a culinary masterpiece. This Spiced Summer Squash Chickpea Bisque isn't just another recipe – it's a vibrant, nutritious journey that will transport your taste buds to sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes with every single spoonful. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers and those seeking a quick, delicious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups summer squash, chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping summer squash into small, uniform cubes. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the pot, stirring continuously for 30-45 seconds to release their aromatic oils and prevent burning.
- Incorporate the chopped summer squash into the pot, stirring to coat with the spices and onion mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the squash to soften slightly.
- Pour in the drained chickpeas and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the squash is completely tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a standard blender in batches.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the bisque is too thick, thin with additional vegetable broth.
- Ladle into serving bowls and optionally garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm summer squash for the best flavor and texture. Avoid squash that looks soft or has blemishes.
- Toast your cumin briefly before adding other ingredients to enhance its nutty, warm flavor profile.
- For an ultra-smooth consistency, blend the soup in batches and pass through a fine-mesh strainer if you want restaurant-quality texture.
- If you prefer a thicker bisque, reduce the vegetable broth slightly or add a small amount of cream for extra richness.
- Experiment with garnishes like toasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of Greek yogurt, or fresh chopped herbs to elevate the presentation and add extra layers of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
