Chickpea & Tomato Soup
3 tbsp olive oil 3 large garlic cloves, minced 1 small onion, minced 1/4 tsp crushed hot red pepper 1 14-1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes, juices reserved 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tsp dried rosemary 2 cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans) or 1 16-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 4 cups chicken stock or reduced-sodium canned broth 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup croutons In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion and hot pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juices, the vinegar and rosemary. Increase the heat to high and boil until juice from the tomatoes thickens, about 5 minutes. Add the chickpeas, chicken stock and salt. Cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and smashing some of the beans with the back of a spoon. To serve, sprinkle with the cheese and the crou...