Spicy Chickpea Soup

• Recipe by Pam Anderson

Good News Chickpeas are rich in both types of dietary fiber, which are important for maintaining heart health and for stabilizing blood sugar levels. Pam Anderson uses them as the base for this Indian-flavored creamy (though cream-free) soup, which she prepares by first pureeing it, then simmering it, to save time. “Pureed beans give you richness without having to enrich the soup,” she says.

Ingredients

1. Two 19-ounce cans chickpeas, drained
2. One 13.5-ounce can light coconut milk
3. One 14.4-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped (1/2 cup)
4. 1/4 cup naturally sweetened apple juice
5. 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
6. 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
7. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
8. 1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
9. Salt and freshly ground black pepper
10. 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
11. 2 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced

Directions

1. In a blender, combine the drained chickpeas with the coconut milk, chopped tomatoes, apple juice, cilantro leaves, garam masala and ground ginger and puree the mixture until smooth.
2. Transfer the puree to a medium saucepan. Stir in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer over moderately high heat. Season with salt and black pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the yogurt and scallion greens and serve.

Make Ahead

The soup can be refrigerated overnight. Reheat gently.

Serve With

Crispy Seeded Pita Chips.

Notes

One Serving 288 cal, 6 gm fat, 3.7 gm sat fat, 49 gm carb, 8.7 gm fiber.