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Opaaaa!! Revithosoupa (Greek Chickpea soup)

Opaaaa!! Revithosoupa (Greek Chickpea soup)

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Revithosoupa, (pr. reh-vee-THO-sou-pah), is a very simple, vegan Greek, healthy and nutritious chickpea soup made with a few simple ingredients.

As there is not much to say about revithosoupa, which is a simple dish, before I tell you how I make it, let’s talk a little about the word “Opaaa!!”.   

I am taking this opportunity because the song which has been voted for the Eurovision song contest is called “OPA”. It’s an ethnic song and although it’s not bad I would have preferred the other ethnic song by Manos Pyrovolakis.

I don’t really care about this contest but the reason I am mentioning this is to explain what the word “OPA” means.  I am sure only a few Greeks know the real meaning of the word and it’s not just an exclamation when we dance.

The word “Opa” derives from the ancient word η οψ, της οπός (pronounced ops genitive case op-OS), and this does not only mean eyes, vision, appearance etc. Some examples of words known to English speaking people are Cyclops (having one round eye), Europe (having beautiful big eyes), metope (in arch. between two holes (eyes) ) and the same word is used in Greek for the forehead, but also means “voice” as in speaking but also in singing.  For those of you speaking Greek, you may find a lot of interesting information here.

All Greek words have a meaning because they are descriptive.  One of the nine muses was Kalliopi, Καλλι-όπη (έχουσα καλήν όπα), and her name means “having a good voice” and of course Kalliopi was the patron of anything having to do with the voice and of course poetry.

Now, back to the recipe.  Although it’s spring and the weather is supposed to be warm in Greece, March still has some cold days, so I would like to share this simple but hearty Revithosoupa (chickpea soup), while the weather is still cold.

Chickpeas boiled image

As I said, although this soup is very simple, with just a few ingredients and has nothing fancy to show in appearance, yet this is what makes Greek cuisine to be delicious getting most of its flavour from the Greek olive oil.

Revithosoupa chickpea soup photo

I know that some of you don’t have the time to cook the chickpeas for two hours and although I don’t use canned chickpeas, I think that the soup will still work great if you used canned chickpeas.  However, if you have a pressure cooker, you can reduce the time considerably and have the soup ready in half an hour.

Revithosoupa with bread image

If you want a thicker and more creamy soup add a potato as well, which I have included in the recipe.

If you want a velvety soup, you can use an Immersion Hand Blender to do that.

Collage making Revithosoupa image

I am sending this recipe to Lisa, of Lisa’s Vegeterian Kitchen, for her event No Croutons Required, in which chickpeas are featured this month.

Revithosoupa chickpea soup image

Revithosoupa (Greek Chickpea Soup)

Yield: 5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Revithosoupa is a very simple, vegan Greek, healthy and nutritious chickpea soup made with a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 300 grams chickpeas
  • 1 large potato, peeled and cut into small pieces
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 cups water
  • ¼ cup lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Boil the potato in 6 - 7 cups of water until soft  Set aside and when the time comes, remove the potato and mash with a fork  Reserve the water to add to the soup 
  2. Soak the chick peas in water from the previous night.
  3. Drain and peel them  It is preferable to buy skinned chick peas.
  4. Boil in unsalted water, skim the liquid water and drain once  Add fresh water and boil again  Add salt, lower heat, cover with lid and cook until almost soft, about an hour  Drain and set aside.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion until translucent.
  6. Add the chickpeas and mix for a couple of minutes  Add the mashed potato as well as the potato water, salt and freshly ground black pepper and bring to a boil.
  7. Lower heat and simmer for about 1 hour until the chickpeas have become very soft and creamy.
  8. When ready mix in the lemon juice.
  9. Serve with additional olive oil and lemon juice, as well as some freshly ground black pepper.
Nutrition Information
Yield 5 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 264Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 0mgSodium 1294mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 6gSugar 5gProtein 7g

Did you make this recipe?

Tried this recipe? Tag me @ivyliac and use the hashtag #kopiaste!

Chickpea Recipes

Chickpeas are one of my favourite legumes which I cook quite often in many variations. Here are a few examples.

Collage Greek Chickpeas Soup Revithosoupa image

Kopiaste and Kali Orexi!!

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Fay

Wednesday 27th of January 2016

I found your site when I couldn't remember if revithosoupa was made with raw onions or sautéd. I make my soup the same way! I can't stop eating it! Thank you for our lesson in the origins of OPA. I will forever look at chickpeas and think opa! And this info will make me look a little bit smarter during dinner conversations.

Ivy

Wednesday 27th of January 2016

Thank you Fay. Hope you enjoy your revithosoupa!

Jane

Saturday 13th of July 2013

J'aime ces recette.

Konstantina

Sunday 21st of March 2010

Hi Ivy! Can you believe that I have never eaten revithosoupa?! I don't know why my mom never made this dish, I guess I should blame my dad for that, hahaha:D Since I love chickpeas, I will try to make this one soon!

heni

Thursday 18th of March 2010

interesting soup Ivy! Another way to use ingredients from the pantry!

Nadjibella

Tuesday 16th of March 2010

On fait la même soupe mais e n sauce rouge. Très bonne soupe. A bientôt.

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