Greek Chickpea Soup with Lemon

Greek Chickpea Soup with Lemon (Revithosoupa)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried chickpeas (or 4 cups canned chickpeas)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight (8-12 hours). Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly before cooking. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them as well.
2. Cooking the Chickpeas:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
   • Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Simmering the Soup:
   • Add the chickpeas to the pot along with the bay leaf. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, ensuring the chickpeas are fully covered by the liquid.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot. Let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours if using dried chickpeas or 30-40 minutes if using canned chickpeas, until the chickpeas are tender and the flavors are well combined.
4. Seasoning and Flavoring:
   • Once the chickpeas are tender, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with the dried oregano or thyme if using. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, mixing well to incorporate the bright, tangy flavors throughout the soup.
5. Serving:
   • Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. The soup can be enjoyed as is, or with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
6. Tips for the Perfect Revithosoupa:
   • If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup, then stir it back into the pot. This will create a creamy texture without the need for any added cream or flour.
   • The soup’s flavor improves with time, making it a great option for meal prep. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 8g
• Vitamin C: 30% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Iron: 15% of the DV

Conclusion:

Greek Chickpea Soup with Lemon, or Revithosoupa, is a nourishing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season. With its simple ingredients and refreshing lemon flavor, this soup offers a taste of Greece that’s both comforting and healthy. It’s ideal for those who appreciate Mediterranean cuisine or are looking for a plant-based meal that’s packed with protein and fiber. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.