Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This delightful soup combines the heartiness of chickpeas with orzo and fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a silky broth that bursts with lemony goodness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this vegetarian option is not only nourishing but also quick to prepare—ready in just over 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup takes just over 30 minutes to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein from chickpeas and filled with nutritious vegetables, this soup is a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the kale for other greens like spinach or Swiss chard based on your preference.
• Comforting Flavor: The fragrant broth, combined with zesty lemon and fresh herbs, creates a comforting flavor profile that warms the soul.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup, gather the necessary tools to ensure an easy and enjoyable experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stock pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stock pot or Dutch oven: These are essential for evenly cooking the soup ingredients while allowing ample space for simmering.
• Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth egg mixture when tempering eggs with hot broth, preventing any scrambling.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to make Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup:

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow or sweet onion
• 3/4 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 (2-inch) strips lemon peel, plus 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 quarts (8 cups) lower-sodium vegetable broth (sub chicken broth if not making vegetarian)
• 2 (15.5-oz.) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3/4 cup dry orzo pasta (regular or whole-wheat)
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 large whole eggs, plus 2 egg yolks
• 3 handfuls roughly chopped or shredded kale (sub spinach, Swiss Chard, or escarole)
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

How to Make Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and lemon peel. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Add garlic; cook for an additional minute until aromatic.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Add broth to the pot and increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add chickpeas, orzo, salt, pepper, and oregano. Simmer the soup over medium-high heat uncovered for about 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente. Reduce heat to low and remove 3/4 cup of hot broth from the soup; set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, combine whole eggs, egg yolks, and lemon juice; whisk until well combined. While whisking constantly, very slowly stream in the reserved hot broth into the egg mixture. This process helps temper the eggs without scrambling them.

Step 4: Combine Egg Mixture into Soup

While gently stirring the soup with a wooden spoon or ladle, pour the egg-broth mixture back into the pot of soup. Add kale and continue cooking over low heat for about five minutes until the broth slightly thickens and greens are wilted. Remove lemon peels.

Step 5: Final Touches

Stir in fresh dill and taste to adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh dill, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously bright Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup!

How to Serve Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Serving Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with the right accompaniments. Consider these suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: For a flavor boost, serve garlic bread alongside to complement the lemony notes of the soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness.
• Extra Dill: A few additional sprigs of dill can enhance the herbal flavors already present in the soup.

Accompanying Salads

• Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta provides a refreshing contrast.
• Simple Green Salad: Mixed greens with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.

With Cheese

• Feta Crumbles: Adding crumbled feta cheese gives a creamy texture that pairs well with the chickpeas.
• Parmesan Shavings: Top each bowl with shavings of Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.

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How to Perfect Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Creating the perfect Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup involves careful attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure success.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried or canned options.
• Temper Your Eggs: Slowly whisk hot broth into eggs to prevent scrambling; this creates a silky texture in your soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Always taste before serving. A pinch more salt or a dash of black pepper can elevate your dish.
• Select Quality Broth: Opt for lower-sodium vegetable broth for better control over salt levels in your soup.
• Cook Orzo Al Dente: Be sure not to overcook the orzo; it should be firm to bite for the best texture in your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Greek Salad: This fresh salad contrasts beautifully with the soup’s warmth and adds vibrant flavors.
2. Quinoa Tabouli: A light, herby tabouli made with quinoa offers a nutritious side that complements chickpeas well.
3. Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips provide a delightful texture contrast and are perfect for dipping.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add depth and pairs nicely with the bright flavors of the soup.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These tasty bites enhance your meal’s Mediterranean flair and pair perfectly with chickpeas.
6. Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus flavors served with veggie sticks makes for a healthy, complementary snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the tempering step: Failing to slowly add hot broth to the eggs can cause them to scramble. Always whisk while adding broth gradually.
• Not chopping vegetables uniformly: Unevenly chopped veggies can lead to inconsistent cooking. Aim for uniform pieces for even texture.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tastes can vary widely; don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor.
• Overcooking the orzo: If left too long in the soup, orzo can become mushy. Cook it just until al dente as it will continue cooking in the residual heat.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. Always use freshly chopped dill at the end for maximum freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure the soup is fully cooled before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Remember that pasta may become softer after freezing, so consider storing orzo separately if possible.

Reheating Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup:

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with any small pasta like ditalini or even gluten-free options like rice pasta.

Is Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup vegan?

The original recipe contains eggs; however, you can omit them for a vegan version and still enjoy a delicious soup.

How do I make Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup before adding back the vegetables and chickpeas.

What is Avgolemono?

Avgolemono is a traditional Greek sauce made from eggs and lemon juice mixed with broth. This recipe is inspired by that classic dish.

How can I customize my Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or include protein sources such as shredded chicken or tofu.

Final Thoughts

Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup is not only vibrant but also packed with flavors that make it appealing year-round. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re seeking a comforting meal or a healthy option, this soup fits perfectly into any diet. Give it a try today!