As the days grow colder and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. Greek cuisine offers a variety of soups that are not only delicious but also deeply nourishing, rooted in centuries-old traditions. From tangy lemon-infused broths to hearty bean stews, Greek soups are perfect for warming the body and soothing the soul during the colder months.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most beloved Greek soup recipes, each offering its own unique blend of flavors, textures, and history.
1. Avgolemono Soup (Egg-Lemon Chicken Soup)
Avgolemono is arguably the most famous Greek soup and a staple in Greek households, especially during the winter months. This velvety, lemony soup is made with chicken, rice, and a mixture of eggs and lemon juice, creating a tangy and creamy broth that is both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken or 4 chicken thighs
1 cup rice or orzo
2 eggs
Juice of 2 lemons
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil the chicken in a large pot with water and salt until tender. Remove the chicken and set aside, reserving the broth.
Add rice or orzo to the broth and cook until tender.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice.
Gradually temper the egg-lemon mixture by adding a ladle of hot broth while whisking constantly.
Slowly stir the tempered mixture back into the pot, ensuring the soup doesn’t boil.
Shred the chicken and return it to the soup. Season with salt and pepper.
Serving Tip: Pair avgolemono with crusty bread for a complete meal.
2. Fasolada (Greek Bean Soup))
Known as the national dish of Greece, fasolada is a hearty and nutritious soup made with white beans, vegetables, and olive oil. This simple yet flavorful soup has been a staple of Greek cuisine for centuries.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried white beans, soaked overnight
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cups tomato puree
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Drain the soaked beans and boil them in a pot of fresh water until tender. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add the tomato puree, beans, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Pro Tip: Serve fasolada with a drizzle of olive oil and a side of feta cheese for an authentic Greek experience.
3. Trahana Soup (Fermented Grain Soup)
Kourabiedes are another Christmas classic—crumbly, buttery cookies dusted generously with powdered Trahana is a traditional Greek ingredient made from a mixture of wheat and fermented milk or yogurt, dried into small granules. When cooked, it creates a creamy and slightly tangy soup, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
1 cup trahana (sweet or sour)
4 cups water or chicken broth
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Bring the water or broth to a boil in a pot. Add the trahana and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the trahana thickens.
Stir in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, topped with crumbled feta cheese.
Pro Tip: Add a poached egg or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess.
4. Magiritsa (Easter Lamb Soup)
Traditionally served during Greek Orthodox Easter, magiritsa is a unique soup made with lamb offal, fresh herbs, and an egg-lemon sauce. While it’s closely associated with Easter, it’s also a comforting soup for the winter months.
Ingredients:
500g lamb liver and sweetbreads, diced
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup rice
1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
2 eggs
Juice of 2 lemons
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil the lamb offal in a pot of water for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse.
In the same pot, sauté the onion in olive oil, then add the lamb and cook until browned.
Add water to cover the meat, then stir in rice and cook until tender.
Whisk together eggs and lemon juice, temper with hot broth, and stir back into the soup.
Add dill and season with salt and pepper.
Serving Tip: Serve magiritsa with a slice of lemon for extra zest.
5. Revithosoupa (Chickpea Soup)
Revithosoupa, or chickpea soup, is a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases the humble chickpea. With minimal ingredients, this soup is a testament to the beauty of Greek cooking’s reliance on fresh, wholesome flavors.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
1 onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas, then boil them in fresh water until tender.
In a separate pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until softened.
Add the cooked chickpeas, oregano, salt, and pepper, then cover with water and simmer for 30 minutes.
Stir in lemon juice before serving.
Pro Tip: For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially puree the chickpeas.
6. Psarosoupa (Fish Soup)
Psarosoupa is a light yet hearty fish soup made with fresh fish, vegetables, and a touch of lemon. It’s a comforting dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients:
2 medium fish (such as cod or sea bass), cleaned
2 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil the fish in a pot of salted water until cooked through. Remove the fish, reserving the broth.
Add the vegetables to the broth and cook until tender.
Debone the fish and return the meat to the pot.
Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper before serving.
Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.
Greek Soups for the Colder Months
Greek soups are the ultimate comfort food, offering warmth, nourishment, and a taste of tradition. Whether you’re sipping on a tangy bowl of avgolemono or enjoying the heartiness of fasolada, these soups are perfect for cozying up during the colder months.
This winter, bring the flavors of Greece to your table by trying one (or all) of these delicious soup recipes. Not only will they keep you warm, but they’ll also transport you to the Mediterranean with every spoonful!
