Fakes? F*** no! What the heck am I talking about?
Greek Lentil Soup called Fakes or φακές σούπα. Growing up in a Greek family, we would giggle every time we’d hear the word Fakes (pronounces fa-KESS) and proceed with saying, F*** NO!
As children, we didn’t appreciate the flavour of such a healthy and hearty soup that eats like a meal. But now as a mother myself, I make this traditional Greek soup often. It’s a filling soup packed with protein (lentils) and vegetables.
Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup Eston Lentils, rinsed and picked over
8 cups water (or organic low sodium vegetable or chicken stock)
4 tablespoons tomato pureé
4 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped finely
2 onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Method:
In a pot, sauté onion with olive oil for 2 minutes, then add garlic and bay leaf for 1 minute and stir. Add carrots and celery and sauté for a few minutes until softened. Add water or stock, tomato puree and lentils.
You can make this soup without the stock – I just find if you have a good quality stock to use it can add a little extra flavour.
Cook on medium heat until soup comes to a boil and then lower to minimum heat and allow to simmer with the lid on for at least an hour and a half.
I’m sure you will enjoy this hearty traditional Greek Lentil Soup that is fun to pronounce.
