Lemon-Herb Fava Bean & Chickpea Soup (Vegan)

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, creamy spring soup bursting with fresh fava beans, chickpeas, and aromatic herbs, brightened by lemon zest and juice for a light, nourishing meal. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegan, mediterranean) ready in about 55 minutes pairs Fresh fava beans (shelled), (15 oz / 425g) Canned chickpeas, Vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and golden at the edges.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1.5 cups shelled fava beans and 1 can drained chickpeas, then pour in 3 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 25 minutes until fava beans are tender.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the soup to a blender and blend until completely smooth (about 2 minutes at high speed).
  5. Step 5: Return soup to the pot, stir in lemon zest and juice, 2 tbsp chopped dill, and 2 tbsp chopped mint. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Warm over low heat for 5 minutes without boiling, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld and the soup coats the back of a spoon.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Fava Bean & Chickpea Soup (Vegan) take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Herb Fava Bean & Chickpea Soup (Vegan)?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh fava beans (shelled) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Fava Bean & Chickpea Soup (Vegan)?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Herb Fava Bean & Chickpea Soup (Vegan) for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lemon-Herb Fava Bean & Chickpea Soup (Vegan) vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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