Coconut Curried Chickpea Soup

Recipe by: Carla Snyder, Meredith Deeds | from 300 Sensational Soups

Cookstr

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Moderate

Photo by: Mark Shapiro

Fragrant and hearty, this vegetarian soup is sure to satisfy. Coconut milk adds flavor and richness, while the curry powder gives it a unique complexity found only in Indian-inspired dishes. If you like it hot, add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper.

Yield: Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15 mL) curry powder
1 lb (500 g) small red-skinned potatoes, cut into ½-inch (1 cm) dice
4 cups (1 L) vegetable stock
1 cup (250 mL) unsweetened coconut milk
½ tsp (2 mL) salt
2 cans (each 14 to 19 oz/398 to 540 mL) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 zucchini, cut into ½-inch (1 cm) dice
1 tbsp (15 mL) packed light brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice
2 cups (500 mL) packed baby spinach (about 3 oz/90 g)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Toasted sweetened shredded coconut (see Notes)

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add curry powder and sauté for 10 seconds. Add potatoes and stir to coat.

2. Add stock and coconut milk; cook for 10 minutes. Add chickpeas and zucchini; cook for 10 minutes, or until potatoes and zucchini are tender. Stir in brown sugar and lime juice. Add spinach and stir until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Ladle into heated bowls and garnish with coconut.