Eggplant and Chickpea Soup

Serves 2 to 3

I love to grow eggplants in the summer. That is how this recipe evolved. I had so much eggplant I needed to find new ways to use them. I love the eggplant stew that is in the similar and related recipes links, but I wanted to make a soup that was a little different. Adding the chickpeas adds texture, flavor and nutrition. I must admit that the first time I made the soup, I had some leftover homemade tomato sauce that I used in place of one can of the tomatoes and tomato paste. After that, I made it with two cans of tomatoes with the paste, as indicated in the ingredients. Either way, it is a healthy and delicious one pot meal that, despite the number of ingredients, is quick and easy to prepare. I also grow fresh herbs in the summer which I like to use to finish most of my dishes for that extra bright flavor. If you do not have fresh, they are not necessary. Omit the pancetta for a vegetarian version. This recipe can easily be halved or doubled as needed.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ounce pancetta, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small celery rib, diced
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 4 ounces mushrooms, chopped
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste, preferably no salt added
• 2 cans (14.5-ounces each) whole tomatoes, preferably no salt added, crushed slightly with hands, with juices
• 3 cups water
• 1 to 1-1/2 pounds eggplant, diced
• 1 can (15-ounces) chickpeas, preferably low-sodium, rinsed and drained

• 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup small pasta, such as ditalini, shells or elbows, preferably whole wheat
• Fresh basil, oregano and/or thyme (optional garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

Heat a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and pancetta. Sauté until some of the fat has rendered out. Add the onions, peppers, celery and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and about two minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste; cook an additional minute. Add the tomatoes and water. Stir, scraping up any browned bits in the bottom of the pan. Add the eggplant, chickpeas, dried herbs, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to medium-low, cover and simmer until the eggplant is tender, about 30 minutes depending on age and size of chop. Add the pasta, cover and cook until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. If desired, stir in the fresh herbs. Serve, passing the grated cheese separately. (As with most soups, leftovers are equally good.)