Bright & Tangy Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup Recipe

Mediterranean kitchens have long treasured this hearty Greek chickpea soup as a comforting staple.

Families across Greece pass down recipes through generations, each adding personal touches.

Creamy and robust, the dish brings warmth to cold evenings with its simple ingredients.

Fragrant herbs and tender chickpeas create a nutritious meal that satisfies deeply.

Humble yet delicious, this soup connects you to ancient culinary traditions.

Packed with protein and Mediterranean flavors, it promises a delightful dining experience.

Come discover how a few ingredients can craft such a memorable meal.

What Makes Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup So Refreshing

• Nourish with Nutrition: Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and vibrant vegetables, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that supports healthy eating goals.
• Quick Kitchen Comfort: Minimal chopping and simple cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting a satisfying meal without complex techniques.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: Bright lemon notes and aromatic oregano transform basic ingredients into a Mediterranean-inspired dish that tantalizes taste buds with fresh, vibrant flavors.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Affordable ingredients like chickpeas, carrots, and broth create a delicious soup that's kind to your wallet while delivering maximum taste and nutrition.

Ingredients for Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic intensity to the dish.
• Oregano: Introduces a classic Mediterranean herb note to the soup.

• Chickpeas: The star protein that gives the soup its hearty and nutritious foundation.
• Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid base and enhances the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking medium and rich Mediterranean flavor.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy freshness that lifts the entire soup's flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, green garnish with a light herbal touch.

How to Make Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Step 1: Chop Aromatic Vegetables

Grab a sharp knife and finely dice the onions into small, uniform pieces. Slice the carrots into thin, bite-sized rounds.

This prepares your flavor base for the soup.

Step 2: Sizzle and Soften

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Pour in olive oil and add minced garlic with diced onions. Stir and cook until the onions become translucent and release their sweet aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Toss in the sliced carrots and sprinkle dried oregano. Stir the vegetables and let them mingle and soften, creating a rich base for your soup.

Cook for approximately 5 minutes until carrots start to become tender.

Step 4: Create Liquid Magic

Pour vegetable broth into the pot.

Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to blend and develop.

Step 5: Brighten with Citrus

Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly into the simmering soup.

Grate lemon zest over the top for an extra burst of citrusy brightness. Let the soup continue simmering for 10 more minutes to meld all the flavors together.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Optional: Add a few thin lemon slices for an extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your vibrant and comforting Greek-inspired chickpea soup!

Tips for Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup Success

• Toast oregano in the pot before adding other ingredients to release its aromatic oils and enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
• Add cooked quinoa or small diced tofu for extra protein, making the soup more filling and nutritionally balanced.
• Mash some chickpeas against the pot's side to create a creamier consistency without using dairy products.
• Use a microplane grater for lemon zest to ensure fine, delicate shreds that distribute evenly throughout the soup.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, so make a double batch and store portions for quick future meals.

Variations on Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace oregano with fresh thyme and rosemary for an aromatic herbal profile that complements the chickpeas and lemon.
• Spicy Moroccan Style: Add ground cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to introduce warm, complex spices that elevate the soup's flavor.
• Protein Power Bowl: Incorporate diced grilled chicken or crumbled feta cheese to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Stir in cooked quinoa or lentils to increase protein and create a heartier texture for plant-based eaters.

Best Pairings for Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

• – Pair this zesty chickpea soup with a chilled Assyrtiko white wine from Greece, highlighting the lemony notes and complementing the soup's bright acidity.
• – Create a classic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and olives to balance the soup's warmth and add textural contrast to the meal.
• – Serve grilled halloumi cheese alongside the soup, offering a salty, rich companion that matches the Mediterranean flavors and provides extra protein.

How to Store Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

• Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover completely to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of vegetable broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• What are the health benefits of chickpeas in this soup?

Chickpeas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. They help improve digestion, support heart health, and provide sustained energy.

• Is this soup suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes, this Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup is completely plant-based, making it perfect for vegetarians and vegans. It’s a nutritious and flavorful option for those following a meat-free diet.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Greek Chickpea Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Greek chickpea soup brings Mediterranean comfort straight to your kitchen, blending rich tradition with simple, nourishing ingredients. Fragrant herbs and tender legumes create a soul-warming meal perfect for sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups (950 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 medium fresh lemons, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Finely chop onions and carrots, then thoroughly rinse and drain chickpeas to prepare for soup preparation.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, gently sautéing onions and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Introduce diced carrots and dried oregano to the pot, allowing vegetables to soften and develop flavor for roughly 5 minutes.
4. Pour vegetable broth into the pot and incorporate chickpeas, raising temperature until the liquid reaches a gentle, rolling simmer.
5. Enhance the soup’s brightness by adding freshly squeezed lemon juice and vibrant lemon zest, then continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon slices to provide a final, refreshing touch.

Notes

• Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the amount of vegetable broth for a more hearty or lighter consistency.
• Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or small pasta during the simmering stage for a more filling meal.
• Boost Mediterranean flavors by including a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving for extra creaminess.
• Make the recipe gluten-free and allergen-friendly by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and using alternative herbs if needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 160 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg