Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithia)

This traditional Greek Chickpea Soup is a perfect example of how basic ingredients can create a nutritious and satisfying meal. Made with minimal ingredients, this humble dish lets the natural flavours of chickpeas shine through.

Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithia), a traditional Greek dish, has been a comforting staple in Mediterranean kitchens for generations. The simplicity of this recipe reflects the wholesome and nutritious approach of Greek cuisine, often enjoyed with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

My mum would start the process of making this soup the night before, soaking the chickpeas overnight in a large bowl. By the next morning, those tiny legumes would transform into plump chickpeas, ready to be cooked.

This Chickpea Soup is made with minimal ingredients – fresh chickpeas, onion, olive oil and lemon juice – allowing the natural flavours to shine through. The earthy taste of the chickpeas combined with the tangy lemon and rich olive oil creates a satisfying and nourishing dish.

To serve, pair with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the flavourful broth. You can also enjoy it alongside traditional Greek sides like Tarama, Keftedes (Greek Meatballs), Greek Sesame Bread Rings, or a fresh Greek Salad. For more nutritious soup recipes, try my Lentil Soup or Greek Lemon Chicken Soup next!

Health benefits of chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, offer numerous health benefits:

1. High in Protein: Chickpeas are an excellent plant-based protein source, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
2. Fibre-Rich: Their high fibre content aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and promotes heart health.
3. Heart Health: Chickpeas contain antioxidants and other nutrients that support cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease.
4. Blood Sugar Control: The low glycaemic index and fibre content in chickpeas help regulate blood sugar levels, beneficial for people with diabetes.
5. Rich in Nutrients: They provide essential vitamins and minerals, including folate for healthy cell growth and function, iron for red blood cell production and oxygen transport, zinc for immune function and wound healing, and magnesium for energy production and muscle function.
6. Supports Weight Management: The combination of protein and fibre helps increase feelings of fullness, which can aid in weight management.

Greek Chickpea Soup Ingredients

• Chickpeas: Chickpeas have a nutty flavour and give a creamy texture to the soup. I prefer using fresh chickpeas for their firmer, creamier texture. However, if you’re short on time, I’ve included instructions for using canned chickpeas as well.
• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour to the soup.
• Olive Oil: Enhances richness and adds a smooth texture to the soup.
• Plain/All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the soup, adding a smooth consistency. Substitute with gluten-free flour to make this soup gluten-free.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy flavour to the soup. Add as much or as little as you like.

How to make Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithia)

Prepare the chickpeas

Prepare the soup

To thicken soup without flour

Tips for making Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithia)

Use fresh lemon juice

Fresh lemon juice has a fresher, more pronounced citrus flavour compared to bottled lemon juice, which can sometimes have a slightly processed taste due to preservatives. Using fresh lemons ensures that the dish has a natural and more intense lemon flavour. Add as much or as little as you like.

Simmer slowly

Allow the soup to simmer gently for a richer taste. Slow cooking helps the flavours meld together and allows the chickpeas to become tender without falling apart. 

Adjust seasonings

Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end for best results. This ensures that the seasoning is balanced and to your liking, as flavours can change during cooking. 

Do I need to soak the chickpeas before cooking?

Yes, soaking chickpeas before cooking is highly recommended. Soaking helps to soften the chickpeas, reduce cooking time, and improve their texture. Additionally, soaking chickpeas helps to eliminate indigestible sugars that can cause bloating.

Here’s how you can do it. 

Room temperature soaking

1. Start by rinsing the chickpeas under cold water and sorting through them to remove any debris or damaged peas. 
2. Place chickpeas in a large bowl or pot with enough cold water to cover them by at least 5cm / 2 inches. 
3. Soak chickpeas overnight in water, for 10-12 hours. Ideally for 12 hours, as it will reduce cooking time.  
4. Strain the chickpeas and rinse well, discarding any skins that may have come loose.

Refrigerator soaking

1. Start by rinsing the chickpeas under cold water and sorting through them to remove any debris or damaged peas. 
2. Place chickpeas in a bowl or pot with enough cold water to cover them by at least 5cm / 2 inches. 
3. Put the bowl or pot in the fridge and soak for 12-24 hours. 
4. Strain the chickpeas and rinse well, discarding any skins that may have come loose.

What if I forgot to soak my chickpeas overnight?

If you forgot to soak your chickpeas overnight, you can use a quick soak method.  

Quick soak method

1. Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. 
2. Place them in a pot and cover with water (about 5cm / 2 inches above the chickpeas). 
3. Bring to a boil and let them boil for 2 minutes. 
4. Remove from heat, cover, and let them sit for 1 hour. 
5. Drain, rinse, dicard any loose skins and proceed with cooking. 

How do I know if my chickpeas are soft enough?

When simmering chickpeas, it is important to check that they are soft enough before finishing off your soup. Here are a few indicators:

1. Softness: Chickpeas should be soft enough to be easily pierced with a fork. You could also squeeze a chickpea between your fingers. If it squishes easily and feels soft, it’s likely ready. If it’s still firm or crunchy, it needs more cooking time.
2. Taste Test: Take a chickpea out of the pot and let it cool slightly. Taste it to ensure it’s cooked to your liking. It should be soft and creamy throughout. There should be no crunch or resistance when chewing cooked chickpeas.

By using these indicators, you can ensure that your chickpeas are soft enough, resulting in a delicious and satisfying soup.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chickpeas ahead of time for the soup recipe. Soak dried chickpeas overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover them by about 5 cm /2 inches. After soaking, drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Store the soaked chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days until you’re ready to cook the soup. If you plan to use the chickpeas on the same day, you can even place them in a bowl of fresh water and refrigerate them to continue soaking, which will further reduce the cooking time.

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. Dried chickpeas triple in size when cooked, with 1 cup yielding about 3 cups of cooked chickpeas. For this recipe, substitute approximately 3 cans (400 grams/ 14 ounces each) for the 1 1/3 cups of uncooked chickpeas, as one can yields a little over a cup. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas before adding to the soup.

Using canned chickpeas offers the convenience of being ready to use with no soaking or lengthy cooking required, making them a practical choice for quick meals. However, freshly cooked chickpeas have a firmer, creamier texture and a more pronounced, nutty flavour compared to the slightly softer and saltier canned version. Additionally, cooking fresh chickpeas allows you to control the seasoning and avoid preservatives often found in canned chickpeas.

Using canned chickpeas will reduce the cooking time significantly, as they are already cooked. Simply add them with the onions and simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

Storage

To store cooked Greek Chickpea Soup, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring into airtight containers.

Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little water or broth to restore its consistency.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat in the microwave or gently on the stove, stirring occasionally, until heated through.