Greek Chickpea Soup with Lemon

Greek Chickpea Soup with Lemon, also known as “Revithosoupa,” is a delicious and nutritious dish. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chickpeas:
   • Rinse the soaked chickpeas thoroughly.
   • In a large pot, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaf, and broth.
   • Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the chickpeas are tender, which may take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
   • Add carrots and celery and sauté until they begin to soften.
3. Combine and Season:
   • Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the chickpeas.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Continue to simmer until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
4. Add Lemon Juice:
   • Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
6. Optional:
   • Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over each serving for added richness.

Enjoy your Greek Chickpea Soup with Lemon! It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.