Wrap yourself in the warm, citrus-kissed embrace of a traditional Greek dish that whispers comfort with every spoonful. This lemon-infused chickpea soup, known as Revithia, is a gentle blend of earthy legumes, vibrant herbs, and bright lemon notes. Perfect for cozy evenings or light midday meals, it offers a naturally vegan and deeply nourishing experience rooted in Mediterranean tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons reserved
- 1 large red onion, finely minced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, finely sliced
- 1 medium carrot, chopped into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons of dried or fresh oregano
- A small sprig of rosemary, chopped finely
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cans (14 oz each) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed, or 1 lb dried chickpeas (pre-soaked and boiled)
- 3 cups (750 ml) of vegetable broth
- Juice from 2 fresh lemons
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
How to Prepare It
Step 1: Start with the Aromatics
In a heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat ½ cup of olive oil over medium flame. Stir in the chopped red onion and sauté until soft and glossy.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the minced garlic and stir for just under a minute until its fragrance begins to rise. Toss in the diced carrot, celery, oregano, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cook everything together for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to release their full aroma.
Step 3: Add Chickpeas and Broth
Pour in the chickpeas and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture. Add the vegetable stock and bring everything to a soft simmer. Cover and let the flavors mingle over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Final Enhancements
Once the soup is done cooking, take it off the heat. Mix in the juice of the lemons along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. If desired, stir in some freshly chopped parsley.
Tips to Make It Your Own
- For a silkier texture, lightly mash a few chickpeas in the pot to thicken the broth naturally.
- Prefer a thinner soup? Add an extra splash of warm broth.
- Letting the soup rest for a few hours—or better yet, overnight—enhances its depth of flavor.
Ideal Serving Suggestions
Pair this soup with a chunk of rustic sourdough or toasted multigrain bread for a filling, well-rounded meal. It also complements marinated olives or roasted vegetables as sides.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Approx. Calories: 350
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 13g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 13g
Revithia is more than just soup—it’s an expression of simple, rustic Greek cooking passed down through generations. With every ladle, you’re diving into a dish that’s as humble as it is flavorful, crafted to nourish both body and spirit.