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GREEK CHICKPEA SOUP Recipe

GREEK CHICKPEA SOUP Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

This traditional Greek Chickpea Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish featuring tender chickpeas simmered with aromatic herbs, onions, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. The soup can be thickened either with flour or by blending chickpeas with lemon juice and olive oil, creating a creamy texture without cream. Perfect as a comforting and wholesome meal, it offers a delightful balance of citrusy freshness and savory warmth.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1½ cup (300g) dried chickpeas (preferably peeled)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 lemons (the juice)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Thickening

  • 1 tablespoon flour (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak Chickpeas: Sort and rinse chickpeas thoroughly. Soak them overnight in plenty of tap water for 12-14 hours to soften and reduce cooking time.
  2. Initial Boil and Skin Removal: Drain and rinse chickpeas, then bring to a boil in fresh water for 2-3 minutes. Strain, rinse well, and use your hands to remove remaining skins. Clean the pot thoroughly before proceeding.
  3. Cook Chickpeas with Aromatics: Place chickpeas back into the clean pot, cover with water about 1.5 inches (4cm) above chickpeas. Add chopped onion, oregano, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer over medium-low heat until chickpeas are tender, approximately 1 hour. Add water if necessary during cooking.
  4. Option 1: Thicken Without Flour: When chickpeas are soft, add salt. In a food processor, blend lemon juice, olive oil, and a ladle of cooked chickpeas until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add some chickpea broth. Slowly pour this mixture back into the pot, stir gently for 2-3 minutes until soup thickens. Let simmer on very low heat to incorporate flavors. Season with pepper and additional salt if needed.
  5. Option 2: Thicken With Flour: A few minutes before chickpeas are fully cooked, add salt. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice and flour until smooth. Gradually add chickpea broth and stir. Pour this mixture slowly into the pot, add olive oil, and stir gently for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Let simmer on very low heat for a few minutes to incorporate flavors. Season with pepper as desired.
  6. Serve: Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with an optional drizzle of extra olive oil and lemon juice for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • If you prefer a milder lemon flavor, use juice from 1 lemon in the recipe and add more lemon juice at the table to suit your taste.
  • Removing chickpea skins helps to create a creamier texture in the soup.
  • Adjust water quantity during cooking to achieve the desired broth consistency.
  • Use peeled chickpeas if available for smoother soup texture and reduced cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chickpea soup, lemon chickpea soup, traditional Greek soup, vegetarian soup, healthy chickpea recipe, Mediterranean soup

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/greek-chickpea-soup-recipe/