This Greek Chickpea Stew (Revithia- ρεβύθια) is a long-planned post. Only it’s not coming to you the way I planned. Or when I planned it either. Not that I knew precisely when this signature soup from the island of Sifnos, Greece was destined to show up here. Though, as I said, it was destined.
You see I have this fantasy.
Suddenly, one day in the not too distant future, I will find myself free of all obligations. I realize I’m not alone in sharing this daydream. But that doesn’t make the dream any less real. In fact, I’ve been actively sorting my life out to make this dream inevitable.
The dream is not so much about having nothing to do. Though that’s a perfectly admirable dream. It’s not even about retiring per se. I’ve never been a traditional worker anyway. So I imagine I’ll continue with many of the same activities I enjoy and/or slog through now. It’s just that I won’t be tied down to one place or one kind of life.
The dream started with two books: Sifnos Chronicles and The Greek House: The Story of a Painter’s Love Affair with the Island of Sifnos. It was reinforced by the Masterpiece Theater series The Durrells in Corfu, which led directly to the purchase of the book My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell.
All that reading, viewing, and daydreaming has led me to a specific plan for this freedom when it eventually comes.
I’d like to rent a house on the island of Sifnos, Greece. It will be a simple, traditional house. Rustic even. It won’t be a house for tourists. There won’t be a pool, and I don’t even care if it has hot water or not. However, it will have a sea view and a functional kitchen. I will stay in this house for at least three months and I will see how the people on the island live.
But lately dreams feel like an indulgence. Though they shouldn’t.
That’s because we’re in corona virus lockdown (and I hope you are too). The dream and the travel post for Greek Chickpea Soup I’d long-planned both feel very far away. So I thought I’d try and nudge it towards reality with a little bit of gastronomic escapism. The state of the world may mean less doing – but it shouldn’t mean less dreaming.
Greek Chickpea Stew (Revithia)
Traditionally this is a Greek Sunday soup. It’s made in an earthenware pot whose lid is sealed with dough and placed on the dying embers of Saturday night’s fire. It sits and cooks in the low heat overnight and is ready to serve after church the next morning.
That’s the dream version! Today’s version is made on the stovetop and it’s much less rustic this way. Maybe someday on the island of Sifnos, I’ll attempt the more traditional version.
Until then I’m looking for recipes that can be made with pantry staples. Thanks to the coronavirus we in Los Angeles have been advised to stay home this week and maybe next. Even the grocery store is off-limits except in extreme need. Those are pretty strong words so it’s pantry staples and dreams of Greek islands for this household. GREG
Thanks for sharing this! All the best!
Thanks for taking us along with you on your daydream. It’s lovely. As is the soup. BTW — made the rice, asparagus, and bacon soup the other night. So good. So. Good.
Your dream sounds absolutely wonderful! We were supposed to visit Greece later this summer (first time for me) but it’s gone back to being a dream for now. At least I can enjoy this soup until the opportunity comes again.
One day soon, I hope you will be living the dream. There is nothing that excites me more than travel. And living somewhere and getting to know another type of life is such a privilege. I guess you might say we are living a different way now…but I’m not feeling privileged. Ah well. This stew will just have to take me there!
I have everything and I’m making it tomorrow. Can’t wait. Love the dream and hope it’ll be a reality for you one day. Keep well! ~Valentina
Well there’s nothing wrong with dreaming. Why only 3 months? Why not 6! Lovely soup. Hope you’re safe in La La land.
We started living our dream a couple of years ago, Arizona for a month in November and Spain in February/March. I do a lot of freelance graphic design and desktop publishing (a carryover from a past-life) so it’s easy to work from anywhere. We’re already talking about 2‑months in Spain next year, provided it’s safe.
I’m sorry your state is in lockdown, we aren’t there quite yet, but it surely is coming; for some reason we too have the idiots that aren’t following the rules! Yesterday I saw TWO cop cars blocking the entrance to High Park near us. It’s absolutely disgraceful behaviour by uncaring, self-centred, stupid citizens!
I too, have been going through my dried beans and pulses. About a week ago, I cooked up several meals-worth of beans and froze them so I don’t have to prep a day ahead. But it’s not like I don’t have the time.
Stay well. Stay safe.
Hi Greg,
I can’t wait to make this soup today!
Although I’m Greek, I’ve never made this recipe before.
Stay well!
Vivian
Hello Greg,
Hope you and yours are well. I totally agree, the universe has shifted. My blog posts are way off schedule.
That said, I loved Greece, and count it as one of the best travel experiences. Will try this soup:)
~Bijouxs