Classic Revithia Recipe

2022-11-02

By Greek Chef

Greek Cuisine

Main Course

Try this authentic Greek recipe for Revithia, a classic chickpea dish. The chickpeas are cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with oregano, thyme, garlic, onions, and lemon. It's a healthy and delicious meal that everyone will love. 

 How to make Revithia? 

Revithia is a chickpea stew that is made with only a few simple ingredients, including chickpeas, onions, olive oil, and water. The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, and is often served with a slice of crusty bread. 

High Protein Vegetarian Food Recipe

To pack more vitamins and protein, make a few additions. Add nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach, kale, carrots, or bell peppers to the dish along with other legumes such as lentils or beans to increase protein content. Sprinkle toasted almonds, sesame seeds, or pumpkin seeds on top for added healthy fats.

Adding a Spicy Fiery Kick

Experiment with adding crushed red pepper flakes or dried chili flakes while the revithia is cooking to infuse a mild spiciness throughout the dish. Alternatively, you could sauté some finely chopped jalapenos or serrano peppers along with your onions and garlic at the beginning of the recipe to add a fiery kick.

White Wine Pairing

For white wine lovers, Assyrtiko from Santorini or Moschofilero from the Peloponnese would be great choices. Assyrtiko offers citrus undertones and crisp acidity, while Moschofilero brings floral aromatics and vibrant acidity. 

Red Wine Paring

If you prefer red wine, Agiorgitiko from Nemea or Xinomavro from northern Greece would be suitable, with Agiorgitiko providing red fruit flavors and soft tannins, while Xinomavro offers robust tannins, complex flavors, and spice.

A Nibble on the History of Greek Chickpea Soup

A traditional Greek main course dish that originated in the region of Peloponnese, which is located in the southern part of Greece. The dish has a long history in Greece, dating back to ancient times when chickpeas were a staple food for the Greek philosopher Pythagoras. Chickpea dishes were also popular among Greek Orthodox monks, as they were a filling and nutritious meal.

Pitfalls on Revithia

 Chickpea texture: Revithia is a Greek dish made from chickpeas, onions, and various spices. The challenge with Revithia is achieving the ideal texture of the chickpeas. They should be tender and melt in your mouth, but not mushy or falling apart. Soaking the chickpeas overnight can help to soften them before cooking.

 Flavor balance: Revithia has a rich and earthy flavor profile, with a balance of savory and sweet notes. The challenge is in achieving the right balance of flavors, where none of the ingredients overpower the others. Be sure to taste throughout the cooking process and adjust seasoning as necessary.

 Cooking time: Revithia requires slow cooking over low heat to fully develop its flavors and tenderize the chickpeas. The challenge is in finding the right balance between cooking time and heat intensity. Cooking too quickly or at too high a heat can cause the chickpeas to burst and become mushy.

 Thickening the sauce: Revithia should have a thick and creamy sauce that coats the chickpeas. The challenge is in achieving this texture without making the dish too heavy or starchy. A traditional method for thickening the sauce is to remove some of the chickpeas, puree them in a blender, and then add them back into the pot.

 Serving suggestion: Revithia is often served as a main dish or a side dish, and pairs well with crusty bread or rice. The challenge here is in finding the right balance of flavors between the dish and its accompaniments. Experimentation and tasting will help you find the perfect pairing for your Revithia.

Ingredients

• 500g chickpeas

• 2 onions, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 cups water

Instructions

1. Rinse the chickpeas well in a large bowl and soak them overnight in water.

2. Drain the chickpeas and rinse again. Set aside.

3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

4. Add the onions and cook until they're translucent and soft, for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

5. Add the chickpeas to the pot along with the tomato paste, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

6. Add 4 cups of water to the pot and bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat and let the chickpeas simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the chickpeas are soft and tender.

7. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

8. Your delicious Revithia is ready to be served!

Preparation Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 60 min

Total Time: 70 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 310

Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fiber: 9g

Sugar: 7g

Protein: 11g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Revithia

Crete, they may use a bit of tomato paste and some parsley to flavor the chickpeas, creating a dish known as "Revithia sto Fourno".

Peloponnese, they may add a bit of rosemary and garlic to the chickpeas, creating a dish known as "Revithada".

Cyclades Islands, they may mix the chickpeas with onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, and bake them with a bit of olive oil, creating a dish known as "Revithokeftedes".

Epirus, they may add a bit of spicy sausage and some smoked paprika to the chickpeas, creating a dish known as "Revithia me Loukaniko".

Mani, they may cook the chickpeas with a bit of vinegar and some sage, creating a dish known as "Revithia me Selino".

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