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Creamy Hearty Winter Soup with Crispy Chickpeas

Creamy Hearty Winter Soup

Czarryy
A rich and comforting winter soup brimming with earthy mushrooms, tender potatoes, and fresh spinach. Topped with crunchy chickpeas in place of croutons, this hearty bowl is as nourishing as it is flavorful.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup, Starter
Cuisine Seasonal Comfort Food
Servings 4
Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

  • Stock pot with lid
  • Small skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 7 ounces portobello mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
  • 7 ounces heavy cream*
  • 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chickpeas)

To prevent curdling, temper the cream by stirring in a small ladle of hot soup before adding it to the pot.

Instructions
 

  • Start the Base
    In a stock pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  • Add Vegetables
    Stir in vegetable stock, water, mushrooms, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 10 minutes (time may vary depending on cube size).
  • Incorporate the Cream
    Temper the heavy cream by mixing in a spoonful of the hot liquid before adding it to the pot. Stir gently and simmer 1–2 minutes.
  • Finish the Soup
    Add spinach and let simmer for 5 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.
  • Make the Crispy Chickpeas
    Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add chickpeas and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp.
  • Serve
    Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with crispy chickpeas. Serve hot.

Notes

Pro Tips & Variations

  • Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
  • Boost protein: Add white beans or lentils along with the potatoes for extra heartiness.
  • Flavor twist: Sprinkle with smoked paprika or a drizzle of truffle oil before serving.
  • Meal prep friendly: The soup base can be made a day in advance; crisp the chickpeas fresh before serving.
  • Vegan option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
Keyword creamy mushroom soup, crispy chickpea topping, Seasonal Comfort Food, spinach potato soup, vegetarian comfort food, winter soup recipe