The original recipe was a good start, but this is a lot healthier. I received big complements on this very hearty soup and even though it was made at the last minute, it was still delicious! I cook without wheat, avoid added salt, love spicy food (but have a wimpy husband), and except for chicken broth, I cook without meat. Sauté 1 chopped onion and when it starts to brown add 2 stalks of chopped celery, cooking until tender. On low heat, I added only one tablespoon cumin and one teaspoon chili powder (feared it would be too much in the original recipe). I have fresh lemon thyme, so I stirred in a bit of that in also. After the spices are warmed a bit, increase heat and add about 3-4 cups of water and 3-4 packets of sodium free (and gluten free) chicken broth (Herb-ox). Add tomatoes and corn (I didn't have any jalapeño) and cook for a few minutes. My husband walked by and suggested adding leftover rice to it to get it out of the fridge (it was a good idea). I then added the rinsed beans at the end (so not to overcook already soft canned beans) and stirred in a little fresh cilantro and ground pepper before serving. My meat eater added chopped ham to his serving. Sprinkle each serving with low-fat Mexican cheese and top with a dollop of fat-free yogurt (or sour cream). Someone was in the baked corn chips, so I was only able to determine they would have been a very good addition.

Reviewed On: Aug. 14, 2008

Don't be fooled by the chickpeas (you can't taste them) or the word "cake" in the description. After the first time I made it, I realized that it was more like pumpkin pie. Just leave it in the pie pan and serve with whipped cream instead, which was better than the too sweet icing in the recipe. I made it again last Thanksgiving and offered it and a bakery pie and this one was preferred. I only use sugar, so I don't know if Splenda works well or not. I made it again today for Thanksgiving and replaced 2 of the eggs with Eggbeaters. We didn't see any difference. I didn't bother buying the "real" pumpkin pie and it wasn't missed at all.

Reviewed On: Nov. 23, 2007