Spicy Greek Garlic Soup with Feta
Experience the warmth and comfort of Greece with this Spicy Greek Garlic Soup, a traditional dish typically enjoyed in the winter months. Bursting with flavor from fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, and creamy feta, this hearty soup is perfect for warming your soul on chilly days. The combination of yogurt and eggs adds richness, while a touch of fresh arugula provides a peppery finish. Whether you’re a garlic lover or just looking to warm up, this authentic recipe allows for adjustments to suit your taste. Enjoy as a comforting appetizer or a light main course.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
6 cups (None)
Garlic cloves
3 (Whole)
Thyme
1 tablespoon (Dried)
Bay leaves
2 (Whole)
Whole peppercorns
10 (Whole)
Feta cheese
6 1/8 ounces (Crumbled)
Greek yogurt
1 cup (Plain)
Plain flour
1 tablespoon (None)
Eggs
2 (Medium size, beaten)
Salt
to taste (None)
Arugula
4 tablespoons (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the water, whole garlic cloves, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3
After simmering, use a wooden spoon to press the garlic and herbs through a fine mesh sieve back into the pot, discarding the solids.
4
Crumble the feta cheese into the strained broth and stir until well incorporated.
5
In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the plain flour until smooth. Gradually add one ladle of the warm soup to the yogurt mixture, stirring constantly to temper the yogurt.
6
Slowly incorporate the yogurt mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously to combine. Continue to heat the soup on low for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring it does not boil.
7
Remove the pot from the heat. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until foamy, then slowly drizzle in two ladles of the warm soup while stirring constantly to temper the eggs.
8
Carefully pour the egg mixture back into the soup, stirring gently to combine.
9
Season with salt to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped arugula and paired with crisp bread.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
8.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Greek Garlic Soup with Feta?
It is a traditional Greek winter soup made with fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and eggs.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 whole garlic cloves, which are simmered and then pressed through a sieve back into the pot.
What gives the soup its creaminess?
The creaminess comes from the combination of crumbled feta cheese, plain Greek yogurt, and tempered eggs.
Is this soup very spicy?
Despite the name, the heat level is mild, coming primarily from whole peppercorns and fresh arugula garnish, though you can adjust seasonings to your preference.
How do I temper the yogurt?
Gradually add one ladle of the warm soup to the yogurt and flour mixture while stirring constantly before adding it back to the pot.
What is the purpose of the eggs?
Eggs add richness and act as a thickening agent, creating a smooth and velvety texture common in traditional Greek soups.
Can I boil the soup after adding the yogurt?
No, it is important to heat the soup on low for 10 minutes and ensure it does not boil to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
How much feta cheese is required?
You will need 6 1/8 ounces of crumbled feta cheese for this recipe.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt.
What is the nutritional content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, 7.5g of fat, 12.5g of carbohydrates, and 8.8g of protein.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe uses water, cheese, yogurt, and eggs, making it suitable for lacto-ovo vegetarians.
What herbs are used in the broth?
The broth is flavored with dried thyme, whole bay leaves, and whole peppercorns.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The initial broth simmers for 20 minutes, followed by an additional 10 minutes after adding the yogurt mixture.
What garnish is recommended?
The soup is garnished with 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh arugula for a peppery finish.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
Yes, you can substitute fresh thyme, though the recipe specifically suggests 1 tablespoon of dried thyme for convenience.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is traditionally paired with crisp bread or a crusty loaf to complement the creamy texture.
Do I leave the whole garlic cloves in the soup?
After simmering, the garlic is pressed through a fine mesh sieve back into the pot while the solid herb remains are discarded.
How much flour is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of plain flour mixed with the yogurt to help stabilize and thicken the soup.
What size eggs are used?
The recipe calls for 2 medium-sized eggs, beaten until they are foamy before tempering.
Is this a main course or an appetizer?
This soup can be served as a comforting appetizer or as a light main course depending on your preference.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
You can attempt to replace the 1 tablespoon of plain flour with a gluten-free flour alternative or cornstarch.
What happens to the peppercorns?
The 10 whole peppercorns are simmered in the broth and then strained out along with the bay leaves.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as a traditional winter dish designed to warm you up on chilly days.
How much water is needed for the base?
The base of the soup requires 6 cups of water.
Can I increase the amount of garlic?
Yes, the recipe allows for adjustments, so garlic lovers can add more cloves to suit their personal taste.
Does the soup contain any added sugar?
No, the nutritional profile indicates that there is no sugar added to this recipe.
Is feta the only cheese recommended for this soup?
Feta cheese is the traditional choice that provides the authentic salty and tangy Greek flavor profile.
How do I incorporate eggs without them scrambling?
You must temper the eggs by slowly drizzling two ladles of warm soup into the beaten eggs while stirring constantly before adding them to the pot.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves straightforward simmering and stirring techniques.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The primary flavors are aromatic garlic, tangy feta, creamy yogurt, and the peppery bite of fresh arugula.