Savour the Mediterranean Sunshine in this Hearty Chicken Soup

Ahh, Mediterranean cuisine. One of the most delicious and vibrant cuisines in the world, renowned for its fresh ingredients, unique cooking techniques, and wow-factor flavors. It has long been a foodie favorite, and its popularity is still growing.

Today, I’m bringing that Mediterranean magic to your dinner table in the form of an incredibly tasty, traditional chicken soup recipe. This hearty and comforting soup is packed with fragrant herbs and succulent chicken – and it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– ½ teaspoon chili powder
– 2 skinsless chicken breasts, cubed
– 4 cups chicken stock
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 2 teaspoons dried basil
– 2 cups cooked chickpeas
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the bell pepper, cumin and chili powder, and cook for a minute to release their flavors.

3. Add the cubed chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

4. Pour in the chicken stock, canned tomatoes, and herbs, and bring to a simmer.

5. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally

6. Add the cooked chickpeas and simmer for another 10 minutes.

7. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

This Mediterranean soup is perfect for when you want something comforting, but don’t have heaps of time to spend in the kitchen. The combination of chicken and chickpeas gives it a good dose of protein, while the red bell pepper and herbs make it truly special. I love to sprinkle my finished bowl with a bit of Parmesan for an even more intense flavor.

Whether you create this classic recipe for a cozy night in or for a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to make your taste buds sing. Enjoy!