Slow-Cooker Spanish Chickpea Soup

4.3

(3)

2 Reviews

This easy soup recipe is inspired by cocido, the hearty stew of assorted meats, chickpeas and vegetables considered a national dish of Spain. Each region, family and restaurant has its own variation, but this slow-cooker soup has enough meat to satisfy the carnivores and enough vegetables to make it healthy. Ask for a 4-ounce slab of Serrano ham or prosciutto at your deli counter instead of buying slices. If you don't have a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker, opt for the stovetop variation instead.

Bruce Aidells

Updated on April 22, 2024

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Reviewed by Dietitian

Sylvia Geiger, M.S., RD

Cook Time:

30 mins

Additional Time:

4 hrs 45 mins

Total Time:

5 hrs 15 mins

Servings:

Yield:

8 servings

Nutrition Profile:

Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity High-Fiber Gluten-Free Low-Calorie

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Ingredients

1 pound dried chickpeas
6 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds), skin removed
1 (4 ounce) piece Serrano ham or prosciutto, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
4 ounces Spanish-style chorizo, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
8 baby red potatoes, scrubbed and halved
1 large leek, white and light green parts, halved and thinly sliced (see Tip)
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 large cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon smoked paprika, preferably Pimentùn de la Vera
½ teaspoon saffron threads or 1/4 teaspoon powdered saffron
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
½ medium cabbage (about 1 pound), cored and cut into 8 wedges
Ground pepper to taste
½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Soak chickpeas in enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches for at least 12 hours and up to 1 day.
Place chicken in a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Drain the chickpeas and add along with ham (or prosciutto), chorizo, potatoes, leek, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, paprika and saffron. Bring broth (or stock) to a boil in a saucepan, then pour it into the slow cooker. Cook on High for 4 hours.
Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. Nestle cabbage into the soup, cover and cook until it is tender, about 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Remove the chicken from the bones and stir it back into the soup; season with pepper. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

To make ahead

Soak chickpeas up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate soup for up to 3 days.

Equipment

6-quart (or larger) slow cooker

Tips

Clean leeks well to be sure they're grit-free. After slicing, place in a bowl of water and swish around to release any sand or soil trapped between the layers. Scoop the leeks out of the bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving any dirt behind. Drain well. Repeat as needed.

For easy cleanup, try a slow-cooker liner. These heat-resistant, disposable liners fit neatly inside the insert and help prevent food from sticking to the bottom and sides of your slow cooker.

Stovetop variation: Soak the chickpeas (Step 1). Drain, place in a large pot and add ham, chorizo, potatoes, leek, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, paprika and saffron. Add 8 cups broth (or stock) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until the chickpeas are tender, about 1 hour. Add chicken and cabbage and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the cabbage is tender, about 20 minutes more. Remove the chicken from the bones and stir back into the soup. Season with pepper. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Soups Special Issue April 2016

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

469	Calories
15g	Fat
49g	Carbs
38g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 2 cups
Calories 469
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 49g	18%
Dietary Fiber 13g	46%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 38g	77%
Total Fat 15g	19%
Saturated Fat 4g	19%
Cholesterol 99mg	33%
Vitamin A 3588IU	72%
Vitamin C 31mg	34%
Folate 48mcg	12%
Sodium 733mg	32%
Calcium 114mg	9%
Iron 6mg	33%
Magnesium 40mg	9%
Potassium 1216mg	26%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.