lemony greek chickpea soup a hearty healthy and flavorful mediterranean delight
Mediterranean, Soups, Vegetarian

Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup: A Hearty, Healthy, and Flavorful Mediterranean Delight

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Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup: A Hearty, Healthy, and Flavorful Mediterranean Delight

Ingredients:

  • 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 ¼ 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

Preparation:

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 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 more minute, until aromatic.

Add broth and increase heat to bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add chickpeas, orzo, salt, pepper, and oregano. Simmer soup over medium-high heat, uncovered, for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. Reduce heat to low, and remove ¾ cup hot broth from the soup. Set aside.

Place whole eggs, egg yolks, and lemon juice in a large bowl; whisk until combined. While whisking constantly, VERY slowly stream hot broth into egg mixture. Note: Tempering eggs is crucial to avoid scrambling. Slowly pouring hot broth into the eggs while whisking brings them up to temperature without curdling.

While gently stirring the soup, stream the egg-broth mixture back into the pot. Add kale and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, until the broth thickens slightly and greens wilt. Remove lemon peels.

Stir in fresh dill and adjust seasonings to taste. Serve in bowls, garnished with extra dill, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for a perfect finish.

Enjoy this vibrant, lemony Greek chickpea soup—a comforting and nutritious meal packed with Mediterranean flavors!

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