Name: Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa) Recipe
Prep time: 12 h
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 13 h 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 3 cups dried chickpeas, soaked in water overnight; 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1 cup diced carrots; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons tahini; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish; Lemon wheels or wedges, to serve

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 24 reviews

If you’re craving a soulful, hearty, and utterly comforting dish, you need to try this Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa) Recipe. This traditional Mediterranean gem combines tender chickpeas with aromatic herbs, bright lemon juice, and creamy tahini to create a soup that’s both nourishing and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for cozy evenings or whenever you want to impress friends with a simple yet elegant dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with light brown chickpeas sits in the center of the image, surrounded by fresh ingredients on a white marbled surface. To the left of the bowl, there is green dill with soft leafy textures, two lemon halves showing bright yellow inside, and a glass bottle of golden olive oil. To the right of the bowl, there are three fresh orange carrots lying side by side, a bunch of vibrant green celery stalks with leaves, a whole brown onion with rough skin, a bulb of garlic, a small round black bowl with coarse salt and pepper, a smaller bowl with dried oregano, and a white bowl filled with creamy tahini sauce. The colors are vibrant and clear, showing fresh and natural textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making this soup shine. Each component is simple but essential, contributing distinct layers of flavor, texture, and color that make Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa) Recipe so special.

3 cups dried chickpeas: Soaked overnight to ensure creamy tenderness when cooked.
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Divided use brings a fruity richness and silky finish.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it sautés.
1/2 cup diced celery: Introduces a subtle crunch and earthy notes.
1 cup diced carrots: Imparts natural sweetness and vibrant color.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Provides aromatic warmth and a savory punch.
8 cups vegetable or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle spiciness.
2 tablespoons tahini: Gives the soup a luxurious creamy texture and a hint of nuttiness.
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish with tangy freshness.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a classic Greek herbaceous note.
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill: Infuses the soup with a fresh, aromatic flair.
Lemon wheels or wedges: Perfect for serving alongside, allowing everyone to add a citrusy zing.

How to Make Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa) Recipe

A silver pot filled with light orange broth contains round beige chickpeas and small orange carrot cubes floating near the surface. A wooden spoon inside the pot stirs the soup, showing the clear liquid texture with some oil sheen on top. The pot has two bronze handles on each side and is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Par-cook the Chickpeas

Start by draining your soaked chickpeas and placing them in fresh water to boil. Cooking them for about 10 minutes softens the beans slightly and removes any bitterness, setting the stage for their tender finish in the soup later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat half the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then cook the diced onion until it turns a warm golden color—this is where the sweetness develops. Next, toss in the celery, carrots, and minced garlic, letting them soften and meld together for about three minutes. The combination creates a vibrant, flavorful base for your soup.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Add the par-cooked chickpeas and broth to your pot. Season with salt and pepper, bring everything to a gentle simmer, and then cover it up. Let the soup cook quietly for about an hour so the chickpeas become meltingly tender and soak in those rich broth flavors.

Step 4: Add the Tahini

Stir in the remaining olive oil and tahini, which will add a creamy, nutty dimension to the soup. Keep simmering uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring regularly, so the flavors deepen and the soup thickens slightly.

Step 5: Blend and Season

To create that classic velvety texture, take about two cups of soup and blend it until smooth, then fold it back into the pot. Finish it off by stirring in fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and finely chopped dill. Let it simmer just a couple more minutes before turning off the heat to let those fresh herb flavors bloom.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Dish up your beautifully thickened, aromatic soup into bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with extra dill and a drizzle of olive oil for that final touch of elegance! Serve it alongside lemon wheels or wedges, inviting everyone to squeeze in fresh citrus that perfectly brightens each spoonful.

How to Serve Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa) Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh dill sprigs and a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil make the perfect garnishes, adding both visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor. A squeeze of lemon right before eating awakens the earthy chickpeas and creamy tahini in the best way.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a standalone meal but pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or a light Greek salad. Some crusty pita or rustic sourdough bread is ideal for dipping into the thick, luscious broth, balancing the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa) Recipe in rustic stoneware bowls for an authentic vibe or make individual servings in small cups as party starters. You could even turn it into a heartier stew by adding greens like spinach or kale for a seasonal twist that’s equally delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to four days, making it a convenient dish to enjoy on busy days when you want wholesome comfort without all the effort.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa) Recipe on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during storage. The soup tastes even better after resting, as the flavors continue to meld together.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned chickpeas work well. Just skip the soaking and par-cooking steps, but keep an eye on cooking times since canned chickpeas are already soft.

Is this soup traditionally vegan?

Yes, the traditional Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa) Recipe can be perfectly vegan when made with vegetable broth. However, chicken broth is often used for extra flavor—just swap accordingly based on your preference.

What can I substitute for tahini if I don’t have any?

If tahini isn’t available, you can try using a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for nuttiness, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Alternatively, a bit of yogurt stirred in at the end can add creaminess.

How long does soaking chickpeas overnight really take?

Soaking chickpeas overnight means about 8 to 12 hours, which hydrates them fully and helps reduce cooking time while improving digestibility. If you forget, a quick soak method boiling them for 5 minutes then resting for an hour works too.

Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Of course! Chopped spinach, kale, or even zucchini can be added towards the end of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor. Just ensure they don’t overpower the beautiful balance of the original recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa) Recipe. It’s comforting, full of flavor, and surprisingly simple to make with accessible ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a wholesome bowl of goodness, this recipe is a keeper. Grab those chickpeas, warm up your kitchen, and enjoy the delicious taste of Greece right from your own pot.