Garbanzo Bean Soup

This spicy soup is made with canned beans, so that the cooking time is far shorter than if the beans started dry and had to be soaked and cooked. It’s a simple soup that allows the nutty flavor of the beans to emerge.

Makes 6 to 8 servings | Prep time: 15 minutes | Minimum cook time: 3 hours in a medium slow cooker

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

1 celery rib, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups Vegetable Stock or purchased stock

1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained

2 (15-ounce) cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried

Salt and crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Scrape mixture into the slow cooker.

2. Add stock, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and rosemary to the slow cooker, and stir well. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, or until vegetables are tender. Season to taste with salt and red pepper flakes, and serve hot, passing Parmesan cheese separately.

Note: The soup can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated, tightly covered. Reheat it, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Variation:

images Substitute white beans for the garbanzo beans.