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Greek Chickpea Soup

This comforting Greek Chickpea Soup combines creamy chickpeas, tangy lemon, and rich olive oil for a flavorful and warming meal.
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Prep Time 13 hours
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 14 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 cup 1½ cup (300g) dried chickpeas Preferably peeled
  • 1 unit 1 onion, chopped Adds depth and sweetness
  • 2 unit 2 lemons (the juice) Use freshly squeezed for best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon oregano, dried Adds earthy Mediterranean touch
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon flour Optional, for thicker consistency
  • ⅓ cup ⅓ cup olive oil A staple for richness
  • 2 leaves 2 bay leaves Imparts subtle aroma
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Essential for flavor enhancement

Method
 

Preparing the Chickpeas
  1. Sort and rinse the dried chickpeas thoroughly. Soak them in a bowl of water overnight for 12-14 hours.
  2. After soaking, strain and rinse the chickpeas again, removing any skins that floated to the surface.
  3. In a pot, bring 2-3 cups of water to a boil with the chickpeas, cooking them for a few minutes, then drain and rinse them.
Cooking the Soup
  1. In the same pot, return the chickpeas and cover them with fresh water by about 1.5 inches.
  2. Add the chopped onion, dried oregano, and bay leaves; bring to a boil and then reduce the heat, letting it simmer on medium-low until the chickpeas are tender, which takes about one hour.
Blending for Creaminess
  1. Once chickpeas are soft, add a pinch of salt. In a food processor, combine lemon juice, olive oil, and a ladle of cooked chickpeas; blend until smooth.
  2. If the mixture is too thick, add some chickpea broth to reach your desired consistency, then stir it back into the pot.
  3. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens to liking.
Final Touches
  1. Season the soup to taste and let it simmer on low heat for a few more minutes to combine flavors.
  2. When serving, drizzle additional olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.

Notes

For more flavor, sauté onion in olive oil until golden before adding chickpeas. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for brighter flavor. Consider adding smoked paprika or cumin for a twist.