Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting and vibrant dish to warm your soul, you’ll love my Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup. This delightful soup is packed with protein and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Inspired by the traditional Avgolemono Soup, this version is not only vegetarian but also bursting with flavor. With just over 30 minutes of your time, you can serve up a bowl of nourishing goodness that everyone will adore.

Imagine ladling out steaming bowls of silky broth filled with tender orzo, hearty chickpeas, and vibrant kale. It’s an experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup comes together in just 35 minutes. Perfect for those busy evenings!
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors and nutrients, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day—ideal for meal prep!
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out veggies or spices based on what you have handy.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon, dill, and fresh ingredients creates a bright taste that will uplift your spirits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be happy to see how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! They come together beautifully to create a nourishing bowl of soup that’s full of flavor.

For the Soup Base

• 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 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 quarts (8 cups) lower-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 (15.5-oz.) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

For Adding Texture and Flavor

• 3/4 cup dry orzo pasta (regular or whole-wheat)
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. dried oregano

For Creaminess

• 2 large whole eggs, plus 2 egg yolks

For Freshness

• 3 handfuls roughly chopped or shredded kale
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

• Swap the Greens: If kale isn’t your thing, try spinach, Swiss chard, or escarole for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Make it Spicier: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give this soup an exciting kick!
• Change the Grain: Use quinoa instead of orzo for a gluten-free option.

How to Make Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and lemon peel. Sauté these fragrant veggies for about 10 minutes until they soften. This step builds a solid flavor base for our soup!

Step 2: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth and crank up the heat to bring everything to a boil. Once it reaches that bubbling point, add in the chickpeas, orzo, salt, pepper, and oregano. Let this simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.

Step 3: Tempering the Eggs

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, and lemon juice until smooth. Here’s where we need to be careful—very slowly stream some hot broth into this egg mixture while whisking constantly. This technique prevents scrambling our eggs!

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

While gently stirring the soup with a wooden spoon or ladle, slowly pour back that egg-broth mixture into the pot. Then add in your chopped kale and let everything cook over low heat for another five minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Final Touches

Stir in fresh dill right before serving. Taste your soup and adjust seasonings as needed—maybe a little more salt or pepper! Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra dill and perhaps a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Enjoy every spoonful of this delicious Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup—it’s sure to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Creating the perfect bowl of Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup is a breeze with a few helpful tips! Here’s how to elevate your soup-making game:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant color and nutrients to your soup.

• Tempering is key: When adding the egg mixture to the soup, take your time and temper the eggs properly. This will prevent them from scrambling and ensure a silky texture.

• Experiment with greens: While kale adds a delightful texture, feel free to substitute with spinach, Swiss chard, or escarole for a different taste profile and nutritional benefits.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: The beauty of homemade soup is that you can tailor it to your palate. Don’t hesitate to tweak the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your desired flavor balance.

• Make it ahead of time: This soup keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when reheated!

How to Serve Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup

Serving this delicious soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary dishes. Here are some ideas to make your meal shine!

Garnishes

• Fresh dill: A sprinkle of finely chopped dill enhances the herbal notes and adds a pop of freshness.
• Cracked black pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper brings an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemony broth.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil just before serving elevates the richness and aroma.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. It adds texture and makes for a comforting addition.
• Greek salad: A refreshing Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta complements the flavors in the soup while adding a crunchy texture.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables bring depth to your meal. Try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers tossed in olive oil and herbs.
• Quinoa tabbouleh: This herby salad made with quinoa provides a nutty contrast to the soup while being light and healthy.

Enjoy crafting this delightful dish! Your friends and family will be asking for seconds (or thirds) once they savor every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it come together quickly, but it also stores beautifully, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lunches throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I make Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup without eggs?

Yes! To keep it vegan, simply omit the eggs. The soup will still be delicious and flavorful without them.

What makes Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup special?

This soup combines vibrant flavors with nutritious ingredients like chickpeas and kale, creating a comforting dish that’s both hearty and healthy!

How can I customize Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the kale for spinach or Swiss chard. You can also adjust the level of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With its bright flavors and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. So grab your pot, get cooking, and savor every spoonful of this comforting dish!

---

Dinner