Garbanzo Soup with Chorizo and Smoked Paprika

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Ingredients

1. 1 medium link of chorizo (5 ounces), quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
2. Two 19-ounce cans chickpeas, drained
3. 1/2 cup water
4. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5. 2 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
6. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
7. 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
8. 3 tablespoons tomato paste
9. 1 1/2 teaspoons pimentón, smoked sweet paprika (see Note)
10. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11. 4 cups beef stock or low-sodium broth
12. 1 teaspoon sugar
13. Crusty bread, for serving

1. In a small skillet, cook the chorizo over moderately high heat until lightly browned and most of the fat has been rendered, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain the chorizo on paper towels.
2. In a food processor, puree half of the chickpeas with the water until smooth.
3. In a soup pot, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the carrots, onion and garlic, cover and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chorizo, tomato paste, pimentón and cayenne and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the beef stock and sugar along with the whole and pureed chickpeas and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Ladle the garbanzo soup into deep bowls and serve with crusty bread.