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**Greek Chickpea Soup with Lemon (Revithia)**
Greek cuisine is known for its simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients, often utilizing the Mediterranean diet’s staples like olive oil, lemon, herbs, and legumes. One such dish that embodies these qualities is *Revithia*, a traditional Greek chickpea soup that is both hearty and refreshing. With a bright citrusy flavor and a rich, savory broth, this soup is perfect for any season.
### What is Revithia?
*Revithia* is a popular Greek dish, particularly loved in the colder months, although it can be enjoyed year-round. The main ingredient is chickpeas, which are simmered to perfection in a broth with olive oil, onions, garlic, and a touch of lemon, creating a nourishing and satisfying meal. This soup’s unique twist comes from the addition of lemon, which not only enhances the flavor but also provides a delightful tangy balance to the earthiness of the chickpeas.
### Ingredients
– **1 ½ cups dried chickpeas** (or 2 cans of cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
– **1 medium onion**, finely chopped
– **3 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **1 large carrot**, diced
– **1 stalk celery**, diced
– **4 cups vegetable broth** (or water)
– **2 teaspoons dried oregano**
– **1 bay leaf**
– **Juice of 1 lemon** (more to taste)
– **Zest of 1 lemon** (optional, for extra flavor)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **Fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)
### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Chickpeas**:
– If using dried chickpeas, place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
– If using canned chickpeas, simply drain and rinse them under cold water.
2. **Cook the Aromatics**:
– In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
3. **Add the Chickpeas**:
– Add the soaked or canned chickpeas to the pot. Stir them with the vegetables, allowing them to absorb the flavors for a minute or two.
4. **Simmer the Soup**:
– Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the bay leaf, and let the soup simmer for about 1 hour if using dried chickpeas, or 20-30 minutes if using canned chickpeas. Stir occasionally.
5. **Season and Finish**:
– After the chickpeas are tender, remove the bay leaf and season the soup with oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest (if using). Adjust the lemon juice to your taste, adding more for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
6. **Serve**:
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with a drizzle of extra olive oil if desired, and a slice of crusty bread on the side.
### Tips for the Best Revithia
– **Lemon Balance**: Greek chickpea soup is all about balancing the rich, earthy flavors of the chickpeas with the acidity of lemon. Don’t be afraid to adjust the lemon juice to your taste to get the right zing!
– **Add Extra Flavor**: For an even more robust flavor, you can sauté some chopped leeks along with the onions and garlic. Adding a pinch of dried mint is another traditional variation that adds a refreshing note.
– **Make It a Meal**: Revithia is hearty enough to be a main dish, especially when served with bread. You can also pair it with a simple Greek salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
### Why You’ll Love Greek Chickpea Soup
– **Healthy and Nutritious**: Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, making this soup not only filling but also incredibly good for your digestive system. Olive oil adds healthy fats, while the lemon juice gives you a burst of vitamin C.
– **Simple Ingredients**: With pantry staples like dried chickpeas, garlic, onion, and lemon, you can make a delicious meal without needing exotic ingredients.
– **Perfect Comfort Food**: Whether you’re dealing with a cold day or just need something warm and satisfying, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. The savory base, coupled with the refreshing lemon, offers the best of both worlds.
Revithia is a perfect example of how simple, nutritious ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. It’s a soup that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd. Enjoy the bright, lemony flavors of Greece in every spoonful!**Greek Chickpea Soup with Lemon (Revithia)**
Greek cuisine is known for its simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients, often utilizing the Mediterranean diet’s staples like olive oil, lemon, herbs, and legumes. One such dish that embodies these qualities is *Revithia*, a traditional Greek chickpea soup that is both hearty and refreshing. With a bright citrusy flavor and a rich, savory broth, this soup is perfect for any season.
### What is Revithia?
*Revithia* is a popular Greek dish, particularly loved in the colder months, although it can be enjoyed year-round. The main ingredient is chickpeas, which are simmered to perfection in a broth with olive oil, onions, garlic, and a touch of lemon, creating a nourishing and satisfying meal. This soup’s unique twist comes from the addition of lemon, which not only enhances the flavor but also provides a delightful tangy balance to the earthiness of the chickpeas.
### Ingredients
– **1 ½ cups dried chickpeas** (or 2 cans of cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
– **1 medium onion**, finely chopped
– **3 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **1 large carrot**, diced
– **1 stalk celery**, diced
– **4 cups vegetable broth** (or water)
– **2 teaspoons dried oregano**
– **1 bay leaf**
– **Juice of 1 lemon** (more to taste)
– **Zest of 1 lemon** (optional, for extra flavor)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **Fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)
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