SPINACH AND CHICKPEA SOUP - Lidia

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, drained
• 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, chopped (about 2 cups)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 fresh bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes, or more to taste
• 2 large bunches leaf spinach, washed, tough stems removed (about 2½ pounds)
• 3 tablespoons kosher salt
• ¹⁄³ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced