How to Make Traditional Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes) Recipe
HOW TO MAKE FAKES
Φακές or fakes (pronounced “fah-kes”) is a traditional Greek lentil soup. It’s not a dish you find in most Greek restaurants, but it is a staple in many homes. In fact, our parents shared that fakes were on the menu a couple of times per week during WWII as it is inexpensive and a good source of protein.
Watch the video below. No need to take notes, ingredients list and recipe are also below.
INGREDIENTS (4 servings | double for 8 servings):
- 1/2 Pound (8oz) Lentils
- 3 Large Carrots (chopped)
- 2 Celery Stalks (chopped)
- 1/2 Yellow Onion (diced)
- 1 Garlic Clove (finely chopped)
- 1/2 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 2 Cups of Water
- 2 Cups of Vegetable Broth
- 1/4 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Bay Leaves
- Sea Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- OPTIONAL: 1 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)
- OPTIONAL: Add 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar per bowl when serving
LET’S GET STARTED!
RECIPE:
- Chop celery and carrots, dice yellow onion, finely chop garlic clove, and chop red bell pepper (optional)
- Heat olive oil and add celery, carrots, onion, and red pepper. Cook for a few minutes and stir occasionally. (Onion should be translucent but not brown).
- Add garlic, salt and pepper
- While the vegetables are cooking, rinse lentils
- Add tomato paste, water, vegetable broth, lentils, and bay leaves and bring to a boil
- Stir, cover, and reduce to simmer for 30 minutes
- Ready to serve! Use ladle to scoop into a bowl and add a teaspoon of red wine vinegar. Add additional salt & pepper as needed and serve with a good piece of psomi (bread).