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Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes) Recipe

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4.2 from 79 reviews

This Greek lentil soup recipe, known as Fakes, is a hearty and comforting dish made with brown lentils simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices. Enhanced with olive oil and tangy wine vinegar, it’s a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-make soup perfect for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Lentils and Vegetables

  • 1 pound dried brown lentils
  • 1 onion, finely chopped or grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced or whole for subtle flavor
  • 1 carrot, small cubes or sliced

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 6 cups water or vegetable broth (add more if needed)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons wine vinegar (taste and adjust as needed)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Prepare Lentils: Rinse the brown lentils thoroughly under running water using a large sieve. Sort through them to remove any small stones or debris to ensure clean lentils for cooking.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the rinsed lentils along with the chopped onion, carrots, garlic cloves, bay leaves, cumin, and paprika.
  3. Add Liquid and Boil: Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  4. Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are al dente. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if necessary to keep the lentils from drying out.
  5. Season and Adjust: Stir in the olive oil, wine vinegar, and salt. Taste the soup and adjust salt, cumin, and vinegar according to your preference.
  6. Final Cooking: Continue cooking the soup for another 5-10 minutes until the lentils are soft but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and serve hot, ideally with bread, salad, and olives.

Notes

  • Rinsing and sorting lentils is important to remove debris and ensure clean cooking.
  • Wine vinegar adds a distinct tang—adjust the amount to suit your taste.
  • If the soup thickens too much during cooking, add extra water or broth to reach desired consistency.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly based on lentil brand and stove heat settings.
  • This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and Greek olives for an authentic experience.
  • For a richer flavor, vegetable broth can replace water.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/greek-lentil-soup-fakes-recipe/