Warm up with a comforting bowl of Portuguese Spinach Chickpea Soup (Sopa de GrΓ£o), a hearty and flavorful dish that celebrates the rustic simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine. Packed with tender carrots, creamy potatoes, and protein-rich chickpeas, this nourishing soup is gently seasoned with paprika, cumin, and a touch of garlic for a bold yet balanced flavor profile. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant, nutrient-rich touch, while blending part of the soup creates a velvety texture that still retains plenty of chunky goodness. Ready in just 50 minutes, this gluten-free, plant-based recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing starter. Garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of zesty lemon, itβs as beautiful as it is satisfying.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chickpeas, and bay leaf to the pot.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Remove the bay leaf, then use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot. Blend until the soup reaches your desired consistency (smooth or chunky). Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a traditional blender, blend, and return it to the pot.
Stir in the paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the chopped spinach to the soup and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Calories |
1884 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.8 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.0 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 6846 mg | 298% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 305.5 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 66.6 g | 238% | |
| Total Sugars | 58.8 g | ||
| Protein | 74.4 g | 149% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 850 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 25.2 mg | 140% | |
| Potassium | 7388 mg | 157% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.