Ingredients

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 dried hot red chiles, chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

1 teaspoon ground coriander

3/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/8 teaspoon caraway seeds

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 1/2 cups crushed canned tomatoes, with juice

1/2 cup drained jarred roasted red peppers, rinsed

3 1/2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock

Sour cream, for serving

Parsley sprigs, for garnish

Preparation

Using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon, crush garlic, chiles, coriander, salt, and caraway to form a paste.

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic mixture, and cook until just softened, about 3 minutes.

Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and stock. Simmer, stirring often, for 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Working in batches, puree soup in a blender. Rewarm if necessary. Divide among bowls, and top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of parsley.