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Thai Coconut Soup with Chickpeas Recipe

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4 from 65 reviews

This vibrant Thai Coconut Soup with Chickpeas combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the bold flavors of red curry paste and fresh herbs. Roasted chickpeas add a delightful crunch, while enoki mushrooms, bell peppers, and edamame provide a medley of textures. Served over noodles, this comforting soup is perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that balances spice, tang, and heartiness in just 35 minutes.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Roasted Chickpeas

  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Coconut Soup Base

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 small shallot, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (adjust to taste for spice)
  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
  • 4-5 cups vegetable stock (depending on your consistency preference)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed (to taste)
  • ½ tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for balance)

Vegetables and Noodles

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 pack (4 ounces) enoki mushrooms, ends trimmed
  • 1 cup shelled edamame, frozen
  • 8 ounces noodles, rice noodles or ramen noodles

Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • fresh Thai basil or mint leaves
  • lime wedges
  • chili oil or sriracha (for heat)
  • fried shallots or toasted peanuts (for crunch)
  • scallions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Roast the Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the drained chickpeas dry thoroughly using a paper towel to ensure crispness. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet, then toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt ensuring an even coating. Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to promote even cooking, until the chickpeas are golden and crispy. Set aside once done.
  2. Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add diced shallot, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red curry paste. Stir frequently and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and slightly softened.
  3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the coconut milk, vegetable stock, fish sauce (or soy sauce if vegetarian), fresh lime juice, and if using, the brown sugar. Mix thoroughly, then bring the soup to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to medium to let it simmer gently.
  4. Cook Vegetables: Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, enoki mushrooms, and shelled edamame to the simmering soup. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant and retaining some bite.
  5. Cook the Noodles: Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles (rice or ramen) and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until al dente. Drain noodles thoroughly once cooked.
  6. Assemble the Soup Bowls: Divide the cooked noodles equally between two large bowls. Ladle the hot coconut curry broth and cooked vegetables over the noodles. Top each bowl generously with the roasted chickpeas.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Finish each serving with fresh cilantro, Thai basil or mint leaves, thinly sliced scallions, and your choice of garnishes like a drizzle of chili oil, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of fried shallots or toasted peanuts. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • You can adjust the spiciness by altering the amount of red curry paste.
  • If you want a vegan version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
  • Brown sugar is optional but helps balance the acidity from lime and the spice.
  • Use rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
  • Roasted chickpeas can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container for several days.
  • Vegetable stock quantity can be adjusted depending on how thick or thin you prefer your soup.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Roasting and Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Vegetarian