Would you rather…never be able to eat your favorite food for the rest of your life OR only be able to eat your favorite food, but nothing else? I struggle with this question as a food lover, but my final answer is the latter. And, that food of choice…that would have to be Nonna’s Chickpea Soup (Brodo di Ceci).

If you aren’t on the chickpea train yet, then more chickpeas for me. Let me give you some background here as you might be surprised to hear that chickpea soup, of all things, is my favorite food.

To say my Nonna (Italian for “grandmother”) spoiled me is an understatement. She would always ask me, “what would you like me to cook tonight, amore” in her thick Italian accent. My answer would always be chickpea soup. Then, she’d remind me mid-dinner, “I cooked this just for you, cicci.” Now, she doesn’t even have to ask. If I’m going to Nonna’s for dinner, I know chickpea soup will be on the menu. And, yes, she still calls me “cicci.”