Minestra di ceci

Minestra or zuppa di ceci is a comforting Italian dish that uses chickpeas as the key ingredient. Chickpeas are combined with different ingredients that greatly vary depending on the region, season, and tradition, but commonly include meat, fish, and various vegetables.

The defining characteristics of the dish are its dense texture and strong flavors concentrated in the broth, achieved with the addition of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. The soup is often elevated with the addition of pasta such as pappardelle and tagliolini, or crispy bread croutons.