Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Soup

This Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Soup is a wholesome and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy dinner or a light lunch. Packed with protein from chickpeas and rich in vitamins from fresh spinach, this soup is as nourishing as it’s delicious.

The combination of aromatic spices, garlic, and a hint of lemon brightens the flavors, making it a comforting yet revitalizing meal that can easily be prepared in your Instant Pot. Not only is this soup quick to prepare, but it also offers a world of flavor with minimal effort.

The Instant Pot allows the ingredients to meld beautifully while keeping the cooking time short. This recipe is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables or grains to suit your taste. Serve this soup with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for an extra touch of Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Give it a good mix to combine all the flavors. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to ‘Manual’ mode on high pressure for 10 minutes.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure using the quick release method. Once the pressure has fully released, remove the lid and stir in the chopped spinach, letting it wilt in the hot soup for a minute.
4. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
5. Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with additional lemon wedges or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor.

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