Best Easy Minestra di Cicerchie Recipe

Grass pea soup is an ancient Umbrian legume dish with earthy, nutty flavors. Vegetarian, high protein, and mediterranean, this heirloom family recipe supports healthy eating and clean eats.

Cook 70 min Difficulty NORMAL 260 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Dried grass peas (cicerchie) 1 cup
  • Yukon gold potatoes 2 pieces
  • Yellow onion 1 piece
  • Carrot 1 piece
  • Celery stalk 1 piece
  • Garlic cloves 2 cloves
  • Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Vegetable broth 6 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Fresh rosemary 1 sprig
  • Bay leaf 1 piece
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 38 g 58%
Protein 13 g 20%
Fat 5 g 17%
Serving size 325g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak the dried grass peas overnight in a large bowl of water, then drain and rinse thoroughly to remove any bitterness.

  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 6–7 minutes until softened and just beginning to caramelize.

  3. 3

    Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, then add diced potatoes and continue to cook for 2 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated.

  4. 4

    Pour in the soaked grass peas, vegetable broth, rosemary sprig, and bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

  5. 5

    Cover and cook for 50–60 minutes, stirring occasionally and skimming any foam, until the cicerchie and potatoes are tender. Adjust salt and black pepper to taste, remove bay leaf and rosemary before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The star of this dish is the dried grass peas (cicerchie), which deliver the unique earthy, nutty flavors and a hearty texture essential to this ancient Umbrian soup. These legumes are high in protein and form the backbone of the subtle, satisfying flavor.
Q. How can I ensure the cicerchie cook to just the right tenderness?
After soaking overnight, simmer the cicerchie gently for about 50–60 minutes. Stir occasionally and check for doneness starting at the 45-minute mark; they should be tender but not falling apart. Avoid high heat or overcooking to preserve their structure.
Q. What gives Minestra di Cicerchie its Mediterranean character?
The Mediterranean essence comes from extra virgin olive oil, fresh rosemary, and a classic mirepoix of onion, carrot, and celery. Combined with vegetable broth and balanced seasoning, these ingredients create deep, rustic flavors.
Q. What are the nutrition facts per serving for this soup?
Each 325g serving contains approximately 260 kcal, with 38g carbohydrates (58% of calories), 13g protein (20%), and 5g fat (17%). This balance highlights its profile as a high-protein, plant-based, and moderately low-fat dish.
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