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Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes Recipe) Recipe

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4.4 from 4 reviews

This Greek Lentil Soup, also known as Fakes, is a hearty and nutritious dish featuring tender lentils simmered with aromatic vegetables, tomato sauce, and herbs. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup balances rich flavors with wholesome ingredients and can be customized with a splash of vinegar, lemon juice, or hot sauce for added zest.

Ingredients

Lentils

  • 1 cup lentils

Vegetables

  • 1 cup sweet or yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 large)
  • 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 sticks)
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped

Liquids and Sauces

  • Drizzle of oil to sauté (or broth if you don't use oil)
  • 2-4 tablespoons tomato sauce
  • 5-6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium if needed)

Seasonings

  • 1-2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • ½-1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼-½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 bay leaves

Garnishes and Additions

  • Vinegar (for serving)
  • Lemon juice (for serving)
  • Hot sauce (optional, not traditional)
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare Lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 3 minutes until half done, then strain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, heat a drizzle of oil or a splash of broth. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until they become semi-soft, approximately 5 minutes. Add chopped garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Lentils and Tomato Sauce: Return the lentils to the pot, stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce (add more if desired for stronger flavor), then season with oregano, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
  4. Add Broth and Bay Leaves: Pour in 5 cups of vegetable broth and add the bay leaves to the pot.
  5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until lentils and vegetables are tender. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed to reach your preferred consistency.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Add hot sauce if you like an extra kick.

Notes

  • For best results, use brown or green lentils which hold their shape well in soup.
  • Sautéing with broth instead of oil is a great option for lowering fat content.
  • Adjust tomato sauce quantity to your taste preference for acidity and richness.
  • Vinegar or lemon juice added at the end brightens the flavor and balances the earthiness of the lentils.
  • Hot sauce is an optional addition and is not part of the traditional Greek recipe.
  • Low sodium vegetable broth can be used to control salt intake.