Cozy up with a steaming bowl of goodness this winter by exploring our curated selection of 15 authentic Greek traditional soups.
Whether you’re seeking comfort food on a chilly night or a hearty meal to warm your soul, this diverse range has something for everyone. Continue reading to discover the perfect soup to wrap yourself in.
Fide Soup (Greek Angel Hair Pasta Soup)
Fide soup is a straightforward and effortless dish to prepare, requiring only 4 fundamental ingredients. These core components are complemented by any desired sides or toppings. So, what makes up this Greek staple? Simply put, it’s a combination of olive oil, water for boiling the pasta, fide pasta – also known as Greek angel hair pasta – and salt to taste.
This humble soup has been a go-to comfort food in Greece when time is scarce or when seeking relief from a stomachache or feeling under the weather. And let’s not forget the game-changing addition of egg-lemon sauce, which can be used to enrich the flavor and texture of your fide soup. With this simple yet effective recipe, you’ll be well on your way to creating a nourishing and satisfying meal.
Mayiritsa (Greek Easter Soup)
As the clock strikes midnight on Easter Sunday, Greeks who have been adhering to a 40-day fast can finally indulge in their first meat-based meal after weeks of abstaining. The centrepiece of this celebratory feast is often mayiritsa soup, a dish shrouded in controversy. Enthusiasts and detractors alike are divided on its merits, with some people developing a strong affection for it while others can’t stand the idea of consuming lamb offal, intestines, onions, lettuce, rice, and dill.
The pungent flavour and aroma may initially be jarring, but this unique culinary experience is worth attempting if only to satisfy one’s curiosity.
Patsa Soup
Patsa soup has garnered a devoted fan base among Greeks who revel in late-night revelry and those who appreciate its unique flavor profile. Like mayiritsa, it boasts an intense aroma that can be overwhelming yet strangely alluring. While not for the faint of heart, we highly recommend this unconventional dish to adventurous eaters drawn to bold flavors. Traditionally, patsa is crafted with pork or beef legs and belly, accompanied by pungent notes of garlic and vinegar.
This recipe takes a lighter approach by introducing a tangy splash of lemon juice, subtly brightening the overall flavor.
Kreatosoupa (Greek Beef Soup)
The quintessential Greek dish, kreatosoupa, is a hearty and nourishing soup that brings together tender beef and an array of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and celery. While its preparation time may rival that of other traditional soups like mayiritsa and patsa, the end result is well worth the wait. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, kreatosoupa is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Youvarlakia Avgolemono (Greek Meatball Soup)
If you’ve fallen head over heels for that irresistible egg-lemon sauce, we’re betting you’ll want to drizzle it over more than just one dish. And what better way to do so than with a hearty Greek soup that showcases the star of the show? Enter Youvarlakia, a type of traditional meatball made from a combination of minced beef and rice, perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices to create an explosion of flavors.
While these bite-sized morsels are already impressive on their own, add in the rich, tangy goodness of that egg-lemon sauce and you’ll be hooked. The result is a culinary experience that will leave you craving just one more spoonful.
Kotosoupa (Greek Chicken Soup)
This Greek-inspired chicken soup boasts a triple threat of nutritional benefits. The combination of protein-rich chicken breast fillets, healthy fats from olive oil and egg-lemon sauce, and complex carbohydrates from rice makes for a well-rounded meal that hits all the right macronutrient notes. As an added bonus, this hearty soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free pleasure to savor.
Psarosoupa (Greek Fish Soup)
In Greece, the concept of fish soup is turned on its head. Psarosoupa, which translates to ‘fish soup’, doesn’t actually contain any fish at all. Instead, it starts with a fish broth made by cooking fish and vegetables together, then removing them to preserve the flavorful liquid. The broth is enriched by blending in some cooked vegetables, creating a rich and creamy texture.
This unique soup is served alongside the plate, where you’ll find the fish and remaining vegetables, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Fasolada (Greek White Bean Soup)
When it comes to making a Greek fasolada, having access to high-quality white beans from Greece is ideal. However, if that’s not possible, you can still achieve great results with regular white beans from your local grocery store or a legume vendor. The significance of this soup lies in its widespread popularity in Greek households and its accessibility to those who are new to cooking Greek cuisine.
To make this delicious vegan soup, simply combine cooked white beans with an array of aromatic ingredients like carrots, onions, garlic, tomato paste, bay leaves, rosemary, olive oil, celery, and a vegetable cube. The result is a flavorful dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Lentil Soup
In Greek cuisine, lentils are a staple ingredient, and their iconic lentil soup is a beloved tradition in many households. This comforting dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, requiring only a few basic components: lentils, spices, and herbs. While the recipe below employs canned tomatoes for added depth of flavor, it’s not uncommon for Greeks to forego this step altogether, opting instead for a more rustic, unadulterated taste experience.
For those seeking an even simpler take on lentil soup, consider substituting oregano for the canned tomatoes – a move that will yield a deliciously hearty and warming meal.
Fava Soup (Split Peas Soup)
In Greece, a staple ingredient is fava, a type of split pea that’s primarily cultivated in Santorini. While other regions also produce their own fava, Santorini remains the hub for this popular legume. When it comes to preparing a traditional fava soup, cooks puree the yellow split peas and serve them accompanied by a medley of flavors and textures. This hearty dish typically features carrot batons, spring onions, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and a side of croutons or crusty bread.
Revithada (Greek Chickpea Soup)
Starting from scratch with raw chickpeas is a must when making a traditional Greek-style chickpea soup. Unlike the convenience of canned or pre-cooked chickpeas, this recipe requires a bit more effort upfront. Soaking your chickpeas overnight allows them to soften and expand in size, making them easier to cook. With this recipe, you’ll be able to get your soup cooking in just 10 minutes flat, thanks to its streamlined preparation process.
Trahanas Soup
In Greece, Trahanas is a beloved traditional pasta that’s handmade by individuals nationwide. Interestingly, this iconic dish comes in two distinct varieties: sour and sweet. While they differ in taste, both types can be cooked identically and yield equally delicious results. When it comes to preparing this tarhana soup recipe, we recommend using the sour variety and combining it with butter, milk, and a generous helping of feta cheese.
If you prefer, you’re more than welcome to experiment by adding some sweet tarhana for an equally pleasing outcome.
Soup With Egg-Lemon Sauce
Egg-lemon sauce is a staple condiment in Greek cuisine, enjoyed as a versatile accompaniment to various dishes. This tangy and rich sauce pairs exceptionally well with dolmades, meatball soup, and even vegetarian rice soup, making it an essential component of many meals. To craft this simple yet flavorful egg-lemon soup, you’ll only need basic pantry staples. If you don’t have leftover chicken or beef broth to cook the rice, a combination of plain water and chicken stock will suffice.
Simply mix in the sauce with care, then serve with crusty bread or rusks and add a pinch of pepper or chili flakes for added depth.
Manestra (Greek Tomato Orzo Soup)
In the world of Mediterranean cuisine, Italians are renowned for their creamy risotto, while Greeks have their own take on this beloved dish – Manestra. This hearty, comforting meal bears some resemblance to Italian risotto, but with a soupier consistency that’s uniquely Greek.
To prepare a traditional Manestra recipe, you’ll need a selection of ingredients including olive oil, onion, garlic, orzo, tomatoes, red wine, and bay leaves.
At first glance, this list may appear vegan-friendly, but feel free to add some crumbled feta cheese for an added depth of flavor.
Despite its rich flavors, Manestra is entirely suitable for a vegan diet when served without any accompaniments or simply with a crusty slice of bread for dipping. For a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and flavorful, look no further than this classic Greek dish.
The Bottom Line
Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Greece with its mouth-watering traditional soups. Here’s a treasure trove of 15 authentic recipes that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean and impress even the most discerning palates.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.