There’s something soul-soothing about a bowl of soup that’s both humble and full of flavor. In Greece, Revithia Soupa, or Greek Chickpea Soup, has long been a cherished dish—simple, nourishing, and deeply comforting. This traditional soup, made primarily with chickpeas, olive oil, and lemon, captures the essence of Greek home cooking: wholesome ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through patience and care.
Often enjoyed during Lent or on cool winter evenings, this soup embodies the Mediterranean spirit—rich in olive oil, brightened with lemon, and scented with oregano. Each spoonful delivers warmth, heartiness, and the kind of comfort that lingers long after the last bite. Whether served as a light main course or a rustic starter, Revithia Soupa offers a taste of Greek tradition that feels both ancient and timeless.
Recipe Overview
Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithia Soupa) is a rustic, creamy yet dairy-free soup that combines tender chickpeas, golden onions, and fragrant olive oil with lemon and oregano. Slowly simmered to perfection, this dish highlights the natural creaminess of chickpeas while delivering a flavor profile that’s earthy, citrusy, and undeniably Mediterranean.
Ingredients & Instructions
Below is the step-by-step process to create this simple yet deeply satisfying Greek classic. It’s a dish that rewards patience, but the result—a silky, fragrant soup—is worth every minute.
Ingredients
- 500 g (3 cups) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 120 g (1 medium) onion, minced
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced
- 180 g (14 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
- 1250 ml (5 cups) hot water or stock (vegetable or chicken)
- 3 tablespoons dried oregano
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chickpeas
Begin by soaking the dried chickpeas overnight in plenty of cold water. This essential step softens them and helps ensure an even cook.
The next day, drain the chickpeas and place them in a large pot. Cover with fresh water, bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes. Drain them again using a strainer. This quick pre-boil removes any bitterness and improves their texture.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat 5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until they turn fragrant and golden brown. This step forms the flavorful base of the soup and gives it a deep, savory aroma.
3. Simmer the Soup
Add the chickpeas to the pot along with 5 cups of hot water or stock. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are tender and creamy. Patience is key here—slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the soup its characteristic richness.
4. Enrich with Olive Oil
Once the chickpeas are soft, pour in the remaining olive oil and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. Stir often to help the soup thicken slightly and develop a luscious, velvety texture.
5. Brighten with Lemon & Oregano
Just before finishing, stir in fresh lemon juice and dried oregano. Let the soup cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes—this pause helps the flavors settle and deepen.
Serve warm, drizzled with a bit more olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano if desired.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Achieve Creaminess Without Cream
For an ultra-smooth texture, blend half the soup using an immersion blender, then return it to the pot. This gives you a creamy consistency while keeping some chickpeas whole for texture.
2. Use Quality Olive Oil
Since olive oil is a major component of this recipe, choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil—preferably Greek. It enhances the soup’s depth and imparts that signature Mediterranean richness.
3. Enhance with Herbs & Spices
While oregano is traditional, you can also add a pinch of rosemary, thyme, or bay leaf during simmering for subtle flavor variation.
4. Make It Heartier
Add chopped carrots, celery, or spinach for extra nutrition and texture. A handful of orzo pasta can also turn it into a more filling meal.
5. Pressure Cooker Shortcut
If you’re short on time, prepare this soup in a pressure cooker. Cook the soaked chickpeas for 35–40 minutes under pressure, then finish the recipe as directed.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stove over medium heat. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with warm crusty bread or pita to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Top with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of oregano for freshness.
- Pair with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a full Mediterranean meal.
Conclusion
Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithia Soupa) is more than a meal—it’s a moment of comfort and simplicity that speaks to centuries of Greek culinary wisdom. Every ingredient has a purpose: the chickpeas bring nourishment, the olive oil adds richness, the lemon provides brightness, and the oregano lends that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
Whether you serve it on a quiet evening or share it with family, this dish reminds us that true comfort often lies in the simplest ingredients, prepared with care and heart.
So grab a bowl, drizzle some olive oil on top, and let this timeless Greek soup warm your spirit—one spoonful at a time.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
Yes, though the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same. If using canned chickpeas, skip the soaking and reduce the cooking time to about 30–40 minutes.
2. What’s the best way to thicken the soup naturally?
Mash a small portion of the cooked chickpeas or blend part of the soup—this will naturally thicken it without adding flour or cream.
3. Is Revithia Soupa vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan if made with vegetable stock and olive oil.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day.
5. What’s the traditional way to serve this soup?
Traditionally, Greeks serve it with crusty bread, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of good olive oil.
Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithia Soupa) is a classic Mediterranean comfort dish made with chickpeas, olive oil, lemon, and oregano. Simple, hearty, and full of Greek flavor!
