Greek Chickpea Soup with Lemon (Revithia)

Dive into a bowl of Greek chickpea soup with lemon, where every spoonful brims with an array of vegetables and is infused with the essence of the Mediterranean. Perfect for those chilly winter evenings, this revithia soupa is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a wholesome, nutritious meal. Its natural vegan composition is beautifully complemented by some crusty bread, making it an ideal comfort food.Ingredients½ cup olive oil, plus an extra 2 tablespoons, divided1 large red onion, finely chopped2 cloves of garlic, minced2 celery sticks, sliced1 carrot, diced2 tablespoons oregano, dried or fresh1 sprig rosemary, needles minced1 bay leaf for that touch of flavor2 cans (14 oz each) of chickpeas, or 1 lb dry chickpeas soaked and cooked750 ml (about 3 cups) of rich vegetable stockThe juice of 2 zesty lemonsFresh parsley, chopped (optional, but recommended for that fresh kick)PreparationBegin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it becomes tender and translucent.Add in the fragrant garlic and cook for a brief 30 seconds, just until it releases its aroma.Now, introduce the carrot and celery, along with the oregano, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir them together to combine the flavors.Add the chickpeas and vegetable stock, stir well, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.Once the soup is ready, turn off the heat. Stir in the additional olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and if you like, some parsley for an extra layer of flavor. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.Serve this Greek delight warm, accompanied by crusty bread for a complete meal.Additional Tips:If the soup seems too thick for your liking, feel free to add more vegetable stock to adjust the consistency.For a thicker soup, lightly mash some of the chickpeas.Nutritional Information per Serving:Calories: 350Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 600mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 13gSugar: 18gProtein: 13g