Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithia Soupa) – A Comforting, Protein-Packed Classic

Looking for a cozy, healthy meal? Greek chickpea soup is the perfect answer! It’s a flavorful dish that’s easy to make and loved by many.

I’ve made this soup countless times, and every time it surprises me how good it tastes. The mix of chickpeas, lemon, and spices makes every bite special.

Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with wholesome goodness that’s perfect for any day.

Ready to try it for yourself? Let’s get cooking! I promise you’ll want this soup in your regular recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chickpea Soup

• Simple & Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry ingredients.
• Nutritious & Protein-Packed: Chickpeas are loaded with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
• Naturally Vegan & Dairy-Free: No cream needed for a rich, silky texture.
• Bright & Fresh: The zesty lemon and herbal oregano elevate the flavors.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you begin, gather these essential tools:

✔ Large Pot or Dutch Oven – Ideal for slow-cooking chickpeas to perfection.
✔ Wooden Spoon – For stirring without breaking the chickpeas.
✔ Blender or Potato Masher (Optional) – If you like a creamy texture.
✔ Fine-Mesh Strainer – To rinse chickpeas properly.
✔ Ladle – For easy serving.

Key Ingredients (With Descriptions)

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavors of this dish:

Chickpeas (Dried, Preferably Peeled)

Traditional Greek recipes use dried chickpeas, which are soaked overnight and slow-cooked for a deep, nutty flavor. If you’re short on time, canned chickpeas can work, but dried ones offer the best taste and texture.

Onion (Chopped Fine)

A yellow or white onion forms the soup’s aromatic base, adding natural sweetness.

Lemons (Freshly Squeezed Juice)

Lemon juice gives the soup its signature tangy taste. Fresh is always best!

Dried Oregano

A staple in Greek cooking, oregano adds earthy, herby notes to balance the citrusy brightness.

Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)

A key component of Greek cuisine, high-quality extra virgin olive oil enriches the soup’s texture and enhances flavors.

Flour (Optional, for Thickening)

A little flour can be added if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Bay Leaves

Aromatic bay leaves add depth to the broth.

Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper

To season and enhance all the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak and Prepare the Chickpeas

If using dried chickpeas, start by soaking them overnight for at least 12 hours. This softens them and reduces cooking time.

How to Soak Chickpeas:

• Rinse 1 ½ cups of dried chickpeas under cold water.
• Place them in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water (they will expand).
• Add a teaspoon of baking soda (optional, but helps soften them).
• Let them soak overnight, then drain and rinse before cooking.

Shortcut: If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the soup.

2. Sauté the Onions for a Flavor Base

• Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Stir in a pinch of salt to help release moisture and enhance sweetness.

3. Add the Chickpeas and Simmer

• Add the soaked and drained chickpeas to the pot.
• Pour in 6 cups of water or vegetable broth.
• Toss in 2 bay leaves for added depth of flavor.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the chickpeas are tender.
• Occasionally skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

Tip: If using canned chickpeas, simmer for 25-30 minutes instead of 2 hours.

4. Thicken the Soup (Optional Step)

If you prefer a thicker, creamier soup, use this method:

Flour Thickening Method:

• In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with ¼ cup of cold water until smooth.
• Slowly pour the mixture into the soup while stirring constantly.
• Let the soup cook for another 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Blended Chickpea Method (for a Creamier Texture):

• Remove 1-2 ladles of cooked chickpeas and blend them with a bit of broth.
• Stir the puree back into the soup for a richer consistency.

5. Add Lemon and Oregano for the Final Touch

• Stir in the juice of 2 fresh lemons to brighten up the flavors.
• Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for an authentic Greek taste.
• Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Let It Rest and Serve

• Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a silky finish.

Pro Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen!

Serving and Garnishing Ideas

Greek Chickpea Soup is a comforting and wholesome dish, but the right toppings and sides can elevate it even further. Here’s how you can serve it:

Serving Suggestions:

Extra Lemon Wedges – Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.
Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle fresh parsley or oregano for a pop of color and added freshness.
Crusty Bread – Pair with warm pita, sourdough, or rustic bread for dipping.
Feta Cheese (Optional, for a non-vegan version) – A sprinkle of crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty contrast.
Kalamata Olives – Serve with olives for a true Mediterranean experience.

How to Store and Meal Prep Greek Chickpea Soup

Refrigeration (Best for 4-5 Days)

• Let the soup cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

Freezing (Up to 3 Months)

• This soup freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable zip-top bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Pro Tip: If freezing, don’t add the lemon juice before freezing—add it fresh after reheating for the best taste.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if needed.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~250
Protein	10g
Carbs	35g
Fiber	8g
Fat	8g
Vitamin C	15% DV
Iron	20% DV

(Values are approximate and depend on exact ingredients used.)

Greek Chickpea Soup FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function for the onions, then pressure cook on High for 35 minutes with natural release.

2. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

Absolutely! Use 2 cans (drained and rinsed) and simmer for 25-30 minutes instead of 2 hours.

3. How can I make this soup creamier?

• Blend a portion of the soup.
• Add a potato while simmering and mash it in.
• Stir in unsweetened plant-based milk for extra creaminess.

4. What other flavors can I add?

• A pinch of cinnamon or cumin for warmth.
• Fresh garlic for added depth.
• Carrots or celery for extra texture.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chickpea Soup is a nutritious, simple, and comforting meal that’s perfect year-round. Whether you enjoy it as-is or with a twist, this dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen.

Now it’s time to grab your olive oil, lemons, and chickpeas and make a big pot of this cozy soup!