Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)

Greek lentil soup or fakes (pronounced "fah-kehs") is a staple in the Greek kitchen and an incredibly filling meal. It is traditionally served with a drizzle of olive oil and lots of vinegar. Though the vinegar is, of course, optional — try it! It lifts the lentils and adds another dimension of flavor.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 357 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 pinch dried oregano
• 1 quart water
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 teaspoon olive oil, or to taste
• 8 ounces brown lentils
• 1 pinch crushed dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar, or to taste (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place lentils in a large saucepan; add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring water to a boil and cook for 10 minutes; drain.

Step 2

Stir in tomato paste; season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils have softened, 30 to 40 minutes. Add additional water if soup becomes too thick. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar to serve.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and garlic; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in lentils, then add 1 quart water, bay leaves, oregano, and rosemary. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 10 minutes.