Ayvalik Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup boiled chickpeas
• 1 cup boiled wheat
• 1 bunch fresh chard or mallow (finely chopped)
• 5 cups hot water or vegetable broth
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt and black pepper

Calories are an editor’s estimate per serving, not a lab measurement.

Method

1. 1

   Heat olive oil in a pot, add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.

2. 2

   Add finely chopped chard or mallow and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the herbs soften.

3. 3

   Add boiled chickpeas and wheat to the pot and stir.

4. 4

   Pour in hot vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil.

5. 5

   Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

6. 6

   Stir in lemon juice, salt, and black pepper just before removing from heat, and serve hot.

Note. To enhance the Aegean flavor, drizzle extra virgin olive oil and fresh mint on top before serving.