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Soups & Stews medium $$

Greek Chickpea Soup Recipe (Revithosoupa)

This Greek Chickpea Soup, also known as Revithosoupa, is a comforting Mediterranean classic made with tender chickpeas, carrots, celery, garlic, fresh lemon juice, tahini, and aromatic dill. Slowly simmered until rich and flavorful, this wholesome soup is perfect for a cozy dinner, meatless meal, or healthy Mediterranean-inspired lunch. Make it with dried chickpeas for traditional flavor or canned chickpeas for a convenient weeknight option.

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Why This Recipe Works

This Greek chickpea soup combines simple pantry staples with fresh Mediterranean flavors to create a satisfying, nourishing meal. Chickpeas provide plant-based protein and fiber, while carrots, celery, onion, and garlic build a flavorful base. Tahini adds a subtle nutty richness, and fresh lemon juice and dill brighten every spoonful. Blending a small portion of the soup creates a naturally creamy texture without requiring heavy cream. It's hearty, comforting, and easy to adapt for different dietary preferences.

Tips to Make Greek Chickpea Soup Recipe (Revithosoupa)

 

  • Soak the chickpeas overnight: Cover the dried chickpeas with plenty of water because they expand as they soak.
  • Use canned chickpeas when needed: Three 15-ounce cans of chickpeas are a convenient shortcut. Drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.
  • Don't skip the lemon: Fresh lemon juice balances the earthy chickpeas and rich tahini.
  • Adjust the consistency: Blend more soup for a thicker texture or add extra broth for a lighter soup.
  • Add the dill near the end: Fresh dill retains more of its bright, herbal flavor when added toward the end of cooking.
  • Choose your broth carefully: Vegetable broth keeps the soup vegetarian and vegan when the other ingredients are also plant-based. Chicken broth works if you prefer a richer, nonvegetarian version.
  • Season to taste: Broth brands vary in sodium content, so taste the soup before adding extra salt.
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Chef's Tip

The secret to delicious Greek chickpea soup is balancing creaminess with bright lemon flavor. After simmering the chickpeas until tender, blend about 2 cups of the soup and stir it back into the pot. This simple technique creates a thicker, velvety texture while keeping plenty of whole chickpeas and vegetables in every serving. Whisk the tahini with a small spoonful of warm broth before adding it to the pot to help it blend smoothly. Finish with fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving for a fresh, authentic Mediterranean-inspired taste.

Greek Chickpea Soup Recipe (Revithosoupa)
Cookeek Tested Recipe

Greek Chickpea Soup Recipe (Revithosoupa)

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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 30 mins
Total Time 21 hrs
Yield 8 servings
🌱 Vegetarian 🌱 Vegan (with vegetable broth) 🌱 Gluten-Free (with verified gluten-free ingredients) 🌱 Dairy-Free 🌱 Plant-Based (with vegetable broth) 🍽️ Greek 🍽️ Mediterranean Lunch Dinner Soup

Ingredients

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Servings:
8

Main Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

Recommended Kitchen Equipment

Tested tools that yield the best results for this recipe.

Large soup pot or Dutch oven

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Measuring cups and spoons

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Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula

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Blender or immersion blender

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Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Drain the chickpeas that have soaked overnight. Place them in a large pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside. This preliminary cooking step prepares the chickpeas for simmering in the soup.

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  2. 2

    Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.

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  3. 3

    Add the par-cooked chickpeas and broth to the pot. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 1 hour, or until the chickpeas are tender. Check occasionally and add a little water or broth if needed.

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  4. 4

    Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the tahini. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and help the soup thicken. If the tahini is difficult to incorporate, mix it with a little warm broth before stirring it into the pot.

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  5. 5

    Carefully transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the pot and stir well. Add the fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and chopped fresh dill. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

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  6. 6

    Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with additional fresh dill and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve with lemon wheels or wedges so everyone can add more citrus to taste. Total cooking note: The chickpeas require overnight soaking, so plan ahead. The listed cooking times are approximate and may vary depending on the age and size of the dried chickpeas.

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📝 Special Notes

This Greek chickpea soup recipe serves 8 and uses dried chickpeas soaked overnight for a traditional, hearty texture. If you're short on time, substitute three 15-ounce cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed. Since canned chickpeas are already cooked, add them with the broth and vegetables and simmer for about 20–25 minutes to let the flavors combine. Then add the tahini and remaining olive oil, simmer briefly to thicken, blend a portion of the soup, and finish with lemon juice, oregano, and dill. Use vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly version, and check that the tahini and broth meet your dietary requirements. Cooking time can vary with dried chickpeas, so make sure they are tender before serving.

📦 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Let the soup cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for convenient future meals. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup becomes too thick during storage. For the freshest flavor, add a little extra lemon juice and fresh dill just before serving. You can also soak the dried chickpeas overnight to make the cooking process easier the next day.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories 387
Protein 16.5g
Carbs 53g
Fat 13.6g
Fiber 15.1g
Sugar 10.7g
Sodium 326.9mg
❓ Recipe FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greek chickpea soup called? ▼
Greek chickpea soup is called Revithosoupa. It is a traditional Greek dish made primarily with chickpeas, olive oil, and simple seasonings. Recipes vary by region and household, but lemon and herbs make this version especially fresh and flavorful.
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas? ▼
Yes. Use three 15-ounce cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed. Add them with the broth and vegetables, then simmer for about 20–25 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Because canned chickpeas are already cooked, you can skip the overnight soaking and par-cooking steps.
Is Greek chickpea soup vegan? ▼
Yes, this soup can be vegan when prepared with vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients. Chickpeas, vegetables, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, and herbs are naturally plant-based. If you use chicken broth, the soup will not be vegan.
Is Greek chickpea soup gluten-free? ▼
The ingredients listed in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but check the broth and packaged ingredients for potential gluten-containing additives or cross-contact. Use certified gluten-free products if necessary.
Why is tahini added to chickpea soup? ▼
Tahini adds a mild, nutty flavor and helps create a richer, creamier texture. It complements the chickpeas and olive oil without requiring dairy cream
How can I make this soup thicker? ▼
Blend about 2 cups of the cooked soup and stir it back into the pot. For an even thicker consistency, blend a little more. Simmering uncovered for a few additional minutes can also help reduce excess liquid.
How do I know when the chickpeas are fully cooked? ▼
The chickpeas should be tender all the way through and easy to bite or mash with a fork. If they are still firm after the recommended simmering time, continue cooking and check them periodically. Older dried chickpeas can take longer to soften.
Can I make Greek chickpea soup ahead of time? ▼
Absolutely. Prepare the soup a day ahead and refrigerate it once cooled. The flavors can meld as it rests, and the soup may thicken in the refrigerator. Add a little broth or water while reheating and finish with fresh lemon juice and dill.
Can I freeze Greek chickpea soup? ▼
Yes. Cool the soup, transfer it to freezer-safe airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, stirring well before serving.
What should I serve with Greek chickpea soup? ▼
Serve it with crusty bread, warm pita, a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or olives. Lemon wedges and fresh dill make simple, flavorful garnishes.

✨ Final Thoughts & Serving Notes

This Greek Chickpea Soup Recipe, or Revithosoupa, is a comforting way to bring Mediterranean flavors to your table. Tender chickpeas, aromatic vegetables, creamy tahini, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant dill create a satisfying soup that works beautifully for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Make it traditionally with dried chickpeas or save time with canned chickpeas. Either way, this wholesome recipe is simple, adaptable, and full of fresh flavor. Serve it warm with crusty bread and an extra squeeze of lemon for a delicious meal the whole family can enjoy.

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