10 Greek Winter Soups to Warm Up & Regain Your Ideal Shape After the Holidays!

Looking to detox after indulgent holidays? Enjoy a healthy yet satisfying meal with these Greek-inspired soups that balance flavor and nutrition!

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Why Soups Are Perfect for Winter and Post-Holiday Balance

• Warmth and Comfort
  Soups provide an unbeatable way to keep the cold at bay while soothing the soul.

• Hydration and Nutrition
  Filled with vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins, they nourish your body while keeping you hydrated.

• Cretan Simplicity
  Many soups in Crete use fresh, seasonal ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and wild greens, creating a balanced and cleansing meal.

Soups are an ideal winter meal because they are hydrating, warming, and easy to digest. They often incorporate seasonal ingredients, making them both fresh and nutritious. Greek soups are rooted in the Mediterranean diet, and renowned for their health benefits.

Rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and heart-healthy olive oil, these soups can help you maintain your energy levels and support your fitness goals!

Seven Greek and Cretan Soups to Try

1. Cretan Avgolemono with Wild Greens

Preparation:

• Boil the chicken in water until tender, skimming off any foam.
• Add olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Remove the chicken, shred the meat, and strain the broth.
• Return the broth to the pot, add the rice or orzo, and simmer until tender.
• Add the stamnagathi or spinach and cook briefly.
• Whisk eggs and lemon juice in a bowl.
• Gradually add hot broth to temper, then pour back into the pot while stirring.
• Add shredded chicken back into the soup and serve warm.
• If you like it, sprinkle with dill before serving.

>> Learn how to make an authentic Avgolemono Sauce to cook this dish to perfection.

2. Cretan Fasolada with Olive Oil and Herbs

Preparation:

• Boil the beans until tender, then drain and set aside.
• Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil until softened.
• Add the beans, bay leaf, oregano, and water to cover.
• Simmer until thickened, adding salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Revithia (Chickpea Soup) with Lemon and Rosemary

Preparation:

• Boil chickpeas until tender, then drain.
• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
• Add chickpeas, rosemary, and enough water to cover.
• Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring in lemon juice and adjusting seasoning.
• Serve with crusty bread.

4. Cretan Trahanas with Feta and Tomato

Preparation:

• Heat olive oil in a pot and toast the trahanas for a minute.
• Gradually add the broth and tomato paste, stirring constantly.
• Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.
• Top with crumbled feta and serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

5. Psarosoupa with Cretan Fish and Lemon

Preparation:

• Boil the fish with carrots, potatoes, and celery until tender.
• Remove fish and debone, then strain the broth.
• Return broth to the pot, adding olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in lemon juice and flaked fish.
• Garnish with dill and serve warm.

6. Magiritsa with Aromatic Herbs (Greek Easter Soup)

Preparation:

• Sauté lamb offal in olive oil until browned.
• Add onions and lettuce, cooking until softened.
• Add water, and rice, and simmer until rice is tender.
• Whisk eggs and lemon juice, temper with broth, and return to the pot while stirring.
• Serve garnished with dill.

7. Chaniotiko Hortosoupa (Wild Greens Soup from Chania, Crete)

Preparation:

• Sauté onion in olive oil, then add potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add wild greens and enough water to cover.
• Simmer until potatoes are tender.
• Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Serve hot with fresh oregano.

8. Kotosoupa (Greek Chicken Soup)

Preparation:

• Boil chicken until cooked through.
• Remove and shred.
• Add orzo, carrots, and celery to the broth and cook until tender.
• Return shredded chicken to the pot, add lemon juice and parsley, and serve hot.

9. Youvarlakia (Meatball Soup)

Preparation:

• Mix ground meat with rice, grated onion, and egg.
• Form into meatballs and set aside while preparing the stock.
• Prepare the stock and add carrots, potatoes, dill, and parsley
• Cook meatballs in simmering stock until cooked through.
• Prepare an avgolemono mixture (eggs and lemon) and stir it into the soup.
• Season with salt and pepper.

10. Bamies (Greek Okra Soup)

Preparation Steps

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and golden.
• Stir in the okra and cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to slightly brown and release its natural flavors.
• Grate the fresh tomatoes or add the canned crushed tomatoes.
• Stir in the oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stir well, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until the okra is tender.
• Optionally, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for a zesty touch.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Cretan and Greek soups celebrate local, seasonal ingredients while providing comfort and nutrition. These soups, steeped in tradition, offer a way to warm up in winter and a path to wellness after holiday indulgence. So, grab your ladle and bring a touch of Crete to your table this season!

Embrace the Mediterranean diet’s wholesome ingredients, and let these soups help you reset and recharge after the holiday season. Enjoy your Greek-inspired soups and happy cooking!

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