Follow the steps in order for the best result.
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, minced fresh rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes to the heated oil.
Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until the garlic begins to turn a light golden brown, approximately 1 minute.
Introduce the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring you stir constantly to prevent sticking. Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently for 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. After simmering, remove from heat and let the soup cool slightly.
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender. Ensure the lid is loosely covered to allow steam to escape. Puree the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Return the pureed soup to the saucepan. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with sea salt to your liking, adjusting the amount to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Serve the creamy chickpea and rosemary soup hot. For an elegant presentation, garnish each serving with a fresh sprig of rosemary or a delicate drizzle of olive oil.