Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, nourishing dish that brightens up your day, let me introduce you to my Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup. This soup is a delightful twist on the classic Avgolemono Soup, packed with protein and vibrant flavors. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something warm and comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great option for family gatherings or meal prep—you can whip up a big batch and enjoy it all week long!

What makes this recipe a favorite of mine is not just its delicious taste but also how simple it is to make. With fresh vegetables and fragrant lemon notes, this soup is like a hug in a bowl. So grab your pot, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just over 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal ready to serve.
• Healthy and wholesome: Packed with chickpeas and veggies, this soup is full of nutrients and flavor.
• Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite greens or pasta types.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients! This Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup comes together with fresh produce and pantry staples that you might already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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
• 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
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

Variations

One of the best things about this soup is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or what you’re in the mood for.

• Swap the greens: If kale isn’t your favorite, try spinach, Swiss chard, or escarole instead.
• Change up the pasta: Use quinoa or another small pasta shape if you prefer something different from orzo.
• Add some spice: For a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños while sautéing.
• Make it creamy: Stir in some coconut milk at the end for an extra creamy texture.

How to Make Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive 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 until softened—this step builds a flavorful base for your soup! The aroma will fill your kitchen as everything cooks down beautifully.

Step 2: Add Broth and Orzo

Next, pour in the vegetable broth and increase the heat to bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, add chickpeas, orzo, salt, pepper, and oregano. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente. Keeping an eye on this ensures your pasta doesn’t become mushy!

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

In a large bowl, whisk together whole eggs, egg yolks, and lemon juice until combined. While whisking constantly—this part is key!—slowly stream hot broth into the egg mixture to temper them gently. This technique prevents any scrambling so that we achieve that silky texture in our soup.

Step 4: Combine Everything

While gently stirring the soup with a wooden spoon or ladle, slowly pour in the egg-broth mixture back into the pot. Add in your kale at this point and continue cooking over low heat for about five minutes until everything thickens slightly and the greens are wilted.

Step 5: Final Touches

Stir in fresh dill and taste; adjust seasonings as needed! Ladle your delicious Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup into bowls and garnish with extra dill, cracked black pepper, and maybe a drizzle of olive oil if you’re feeling fancy.

Enjoy every spoonful of this bright and nourishing soup—it’s bound to become a new favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Making the perfect Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup is a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you can elevate your cooking game even further!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring vibrant flavor and nutrition to your soup. Opt for organic produce when possible to enhance taste and quality.
• Control the heat: When tempering the eggs, ensure you pour the hot broth slowly while whisking. This technique prevents scrambling and creates that silky texture everyone loves in a creamy soup.
• Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply allow it to simmer a bit longer after adding the kale. The orzo will absorb some of the broth, thickening the soup naturally.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. A hint of spice can elevate your soup’s flavor profile beautifully!
• Make it ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Just remember to reheat gently to maintain its creamy texture.

How to Serve Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Presenting your Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup beautifully can enhance not only its appeal but also the joy of sharing it with others. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh dill: A sprinkle of finely chopped dill adds a burst of freshness that complements the lemony flavors beautifully.
• Cracked black pepper: A little freshly cracked pepper gives an extra touch of warmth and depth.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving enhances richness and adds a glossy finish.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Pair your soup with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up that delicious broth!
• Greek salad: A refreshing Greek salad filled with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives provides a crunchy contrast to the silky soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add color and additional nutrients to your meal while complementing the flavors in your soup.
• Quinoa or brown rice: Serving a scoop of quinoa or brown rice alongside adds heartiness and makes this meal even more filling.

With these tips on preparation and presentation, you’re all set to create an unforgettable dining experience with your Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup! Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious, nutritious meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If storing with orzo, consider keeping the pasta separate to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Freezing

• Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, leave some space in the container for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup seems thickened after freezing.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup that might help you out!

Can I use other types of pasta in my Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup?

Absolutely! While orzo is traditional, you can substitute any small pasta like ditalini or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make my Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before adding back the kale. You can also stir in a bit of coconut milk or cashew cream for added richness.

Is Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Just follow the storage guidelines above!

What can I serve with Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread. It also makes a great starter before a Mediterranean-themed main course.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup as much as I do! It’s not only comforting and flavorful but also packed with nutrients that will nourish your body and soul. Whether it’s for a cozy night at home or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!