Ingredients
- 500 g chickpeas (soaked for at least 24 hours, rinsed well)
- 300 g chopped onions
- 14 g chopped garlic
- 60 g olive oil
- 3 heaped tsp oregano
- 0.75 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- Water (enough to cover chickpeas by 1 cm)
- Juice from 1 large lemon
- 15 g olive oil
Directions
- Rinse chickpeas well, then cook for 10-15 minutes, skimming off any foam.
- In a second pot, sauté onions in half the olive oil for 5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
- Add garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt, and sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring.
- Add rinsed and precooked chickpeas to the pot.
- Pour in water until it covers the chickpeas by 1 cm.
- Cook for 1 hour, skimming foam as needed.
- After 30 minutes of cooking, adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices if desired.
- Once cooked, stir in the remaining olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Serve warm, ensuring chickpeas are just covered with liquid for a creamy consistency.
Possible Improvements
Here are a few ways to elevate the original Greek-style chickpea soup (Revithia) recipe while staying true to its authentic flavors, based on comparisons with other trusted versions:
1. Use Fresh Herbs
- Many authentic recipes incorporate fresh rosemary, bay leaves, or thyme for a more aromatic base.
Improvement: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or 1-2 bay leaves during the simmering phase.
2. Enhance the Flavor with Stock
- While water is traditional, using vegetable or chicken stock can deepen the flavor.
Improvement: Substitute part of the water with a light vegetable stock.
3. Achieve Creaminess Without Over-Thickening
- Some Greek chefs mash a small portion of the cooked chickpeas and stir them back into the soup to create a creamier texture.
Improvement: Mash about ½ cup of the chickpeas after cooking and mix them into the soup.
4. Low and Slow Cooking for Depth
- Authentic Revithia is often cooked very slowly to develop rich flavors. Some recipes even recommend slow-cooking overnight.
Improvement: Simmer the soup on low heat for 2-3 hours if possible.
5. Experiment with Olive Oil and Lemon
- High-quality Greek olive oil and fresh lemon juice are crucial for this dish. Adding a final drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon before serving enhances the dish.
Improvement: Use the best extra virgin olive oil you can find, and reserve some for garnish.
6. Incorporate Caramelized Onions
- Caramelizing the onions adds natural sweetness and depth.
Improvement: Cook the onions slowly until golden and sweet before adding the chickpeas.
7. Serve with Traditional Accompaniments
- Serving Revithia with crusty bread or olives complements the flavors.
Improvement: Pair the soup with fresh, warm pita or kalamata olives for authenticity.
8. Spices for Warmth
- Some regional recipes add a hint of ground cumin or paprika for warmth and complexity.
Improvement: Add ½ tsp of ground cumin or sweet paprika during the sautéing stage.
Final Touch
Finish the dish with a garnish of fresh parsley or dill for a fresh, vibrant note.
These enhancements balance authenticity with an elevated flavor profile while respecting the simplicity and tradition of Revithia.