THE BEST GREEK LENTIL SOUP RECIPE EVER (FAKES SOUPA)

This delicious, traditional Greek lentil soup recipe will become your family’s favourite! Vegetarian, hearty, healthy, and packed with flavour – THE ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD!

I’m so excited to share our recipe for the best Greek Lentil Soup Ever, also known as Fakes Soupa or Φακές Σούπα in Greek (pronounced Fah-kes Soup-ah). This is the stovetop version of my popular The Best Instant Pot Greek Lentil Soup Recipe Ever, so now our non-Instant Potting friends can enjoy this incredibly delicious soup too. Fakes Soupa, or simply called “fakes”, is the quintessential childhood favourite comfort food of all Greek households. The special thing about this dish is that unlike most comfort foods that are deliciously unhealthy or take all day to make, fakes is super healthy and is easy to prepare and cook.

Fakes is also economical and is made with ingredients easily found in your pantry year-round. Delicious, economical, and easy – another Greek classic dish that’s a winner all around.

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TONY’S NOTES

“I love lentil soup! It’s a meal for all seasons that Greeks of all ages love to eat. It’s a traditional, inexpensive, and easy recipe, but most of all, it’s delicious. If you ask me what my favourite soup is, I would say fakes in a heartbeat. Legumes, vegetables, olive oil, and, for some, vinegar, are the epitome of the healthy Mediterranean diet in a dish.

The flavour of lentil soup travels me back in time to when I was a child. I remember my mother serving me the exact same Greek lentil soup recipe that I prepare for my children today. Her little secret of making it even yummier was to add little pieces of bread that made the soup thicker and shredded feta cheese that made it a little saltier and richer in flavour. Generations of Greek children have been raised eating fakes at least once per two weeks, not only because they were asking for it, but because it’s yummy and parents know how nutritious and healthy this soup is. Always smile and enjoy!”

INGREDIENTS FOR STOVETOP GREEK LENTIL SOUP

• Lentils – brown dried lentils, they are the star of the soup!
• Carrot – adds a touch of sweetness
• Onion – red onion provides a nice balance between sweet and savoury
• Garlic – because doesn’t every good soup recipe require garlic?!
• Tomato – canned or fresh, the taste and consistency come out the same when cooked so use whatever is on hand, we usually use no-salt-added diced canned tomatoes
• Tomato paste – to add a deep tomato-based flavour
• Bay leaves – provide a subtle earthy undertone layer
• Bouillon cube – enhances the savoury taste of the soup, vegetable or chicken bouillon
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – because practically every dish in Greek cuisine uses tons of it! It provides flavour, richness, and so many wonderful health benefits. Always opt for a good quality olive oil, ideally one from Greece

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST GREEK LENTIL SOUP RECIPE EVER

1. Rinse the dried lentils in a colander under running water to remove any debris and check to ensure there are no hidden stones amongst them. This also slightly reduces the phytic acid and starch, which can improve digestibility.
2. In a large pot on a stovetop, heat 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 3-5 minutes to soften.
3. Add the carrots and garlic and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes, releasing the aroma of the garlic.
4. Add another 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, bouillon cube, sea salt, and lentils. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in 9 cups of water, mix well, and raise the heat to bring to a soft boil for 5 minutes.
6. After 5 minutes, reduce the heat to low-medium so it simmers, and cover with a lid. Allow the soup to cook for approximately one hour, occasionally stirring.
7. Once the lentils are cooked, turn off the heat and stir in 1/4-1/2 cup remaining extra virgin olive oil. It’s ready!
8. Serve fakes in a bowl. Optional extras mentioned in the Serving Suggestions listed below can be added and served along with the soup, depending on flavour preference. Smile and Enjoy!

NOTES FOR GREEK LENTIL SOUP

This dish, like many soups and stews, is even more delicious when served the next day!

Fakes is an easy soup to prepare. The preparation for it takes less than 10 minutes, and the hands-on time is minimal. Some time-saving tips are to use diced, canned tomatoes instead of a fresh tomato, and chopped frozen carrots and onions instead of fresh. The taste is the same as long as you use good-quality ingredients.

The final cooking time will depend on a variety of factors, such as the freshness of the lentils and the level of heat used to cook them. On average, it takes about 60-70 minutes for them to be fully cooked. The texture of the lentils should be tender when cooked, but not mushy. Hard lentils aren’t pleasant to eat, so ensure they’re sufficiently cooked. Do not use canned or precooked lentils in this recipe because they’ll be too mushy. Red split lentils have a different taste and texture, so it would be a different type of soup if you used them, therefore, they are not recommended for this recipe.

DIETARY LIFESTYLE INFORMATION FOR FAKES SOUPA

Fakes is a naturally vegetarian and vegan soup when using a vegan or vegetarian bouillon cube. Try it out on a Meat-Free Monday and it will become a new family favourite and a regular in your meal rotations.

This is a great recipe to try when introduced to the Mediterranean diet, which is naturally based on many vegetarian dishes. Legumes are an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. They can help reduce blood pressure and lower blood sugar when eaten on a regular basis. These little legumes are also high in iron, protein, and fibre, and low in calories.

Children who have sensitivities to smells or new textures can enjoy Greek lentil soup, as there are no overpowering flavours. We started feeding this to our kids when they were babies (by omitting the salt and bouillon), and as soon as they’ve been able to communicate clearly, they are always requesting it.

The soft texture of the lentils is perfect for people who suffer from dental or oral issues. The high plant-based protein content and nutrient-rich elements in the lentils also makes fakes an excellent option for people who are recovering from illness or surgery. Try making a pot of fakes next time you have a cold as an alternative to the classic chicken noodle soup.

“Do I really need to use THAT much olive oil?”

To get the most authentic flavour – yes. Greek cooking is filled with massive amounts of olive oil, which seems extreme from a typical Western diet viewpoint. One of the reasons that the Mediterranean diet is world-renowned as being one of the healthiest cuisines on the planet is because of the abundance of extra virgin olive oil in the dishes. Extra virgin olive oil contains a high number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The rich flavour and consistency adds another element to the soup and helps satisfy you without the need for meat. Cook one-half cup of olive oil in the soup, and add between 1/4 to 1/2 cup after cooking. The addition of fresh olive oil after the cooking process changes the texture and taste of the soup and adds a rich depth that is very fulfilling.

OPTIONAL ADDITIONS AND SUBSTITUTION ALTERNATIVES

In our opinion, this is the best Greek lentil soup recipe that delivers a classic and simple, but rich and savoury flavour. Many families have their own variations.

A common addition to the soup is to add one finely diced celery stalk. It adds another layer of flavour that complements it nicely. Occasionally, when I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add ½ of a finely diced red pepper. This adds a gourmet, strong, and fresh taste as well.

For the bouillon cubes, any flavour that you have on hand will do. I usually use vegetarian, but sometimes chicken. Broth is also a great substitute for water and bouillon.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR FAKES SOUPA

Greeks almost always add a splash of red wine vinegar when serving. I prefer mine without, but almost everyone I know adds this to their bowl. The tanginess of the vinegar complements the subtle savoury tones of the soup. Since the soup’s flavour is mild and nuanced, a strong-tasting side is usually served alongside it. I often eat it with a can of smoked herring or mackerel (give me all the Omega-3 fats!). You can add a nice piece of fresh feta, either in a big chunk and take off pieces with every spoon, or as Tony’s mom used to make it, shred the feta and mix it in. To truly eat it Greek-style, take a piece of thick bread to eat with the soup and use it to scoop up anything leftover in your bowl.

ALLERGY INFORMATION FOR THE BEST GREEK LENTIL SOUP RECIPE EVER

This Greek Lentil Soup Recipe is:

• Dairy-free
• Egg-free
• Nut-free
• Peanut-free
• Wheat-free
• Soy-free
• Sesame-free
• Fish-free
• Crustacean-free
• Celery-free
• Mustard-free

Always check food labels to ensure the ingredients comply with dietary needs. Some bouillon contains dairy and wheat. This can be substituted for soup salt or regular salt.

HOW TO STORE GREEK LENTIL SOUP

Store leftover fakes soupa in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken when it’s stored overnight. You can add a bit of water when reheating the soup to help thin it out. Store fakes in an airtight, freezer-proof container when storing it in the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

TRY THESE CLASSIC GREEK RECIPES NEXT!

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