Hearty lemon Greek chickpea soup is packed with tender chickpeas, herbs, and a bright lemony flavor. Easy to make, comforting, and perfect for a weeknight meal, light dinner or mezze spread.
Place dried chickpeas in a bowl and cover with cold water. Soak at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large pot, add soaked chickpeas and enough fresh water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until tender (about 1.5–2 hours). Skim off any foam while cooking.
Drain, reserving some of the cooking liquid if you’d like to use it in the soup.
Sauté Aromatics
In a soup pot, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Build the Soup
Add cooked chickpeas and broth to the pot. Add bay leaf and oregano. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld. Simmer for up to an hour for a softer bean texture.
Finish with Lemon
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes, tasting and adjusting lemon or seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with chopped parsley, oregano sprigs, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve with lemon wedges, crusty bread, and/or olives.
Notes
Storing Instructions: Store in an airtight container for up to three days. The chickpeas beans will soften over time.