Fakes Soupa (Greek Lentil Soup)
Fakes (pronounced fah-khés) is a Greek vegan lentil soup with vegetables. It is of high nutritional value which makes it perfect for the cold days!
I don't like making New Year's resolutions but I know that I am back to healthy cooking again and I'll try to keep cooking as healthy as possible.
After all that butter which was consumed during December and gaining a few kilos, I haven't yet made anything sweet this month and although I am not on a diet at least I am back to cooking more vegetables and legumes and trying to keep the calories low.
Greek cuisine is so simple but yet so delicious because of the quality ingredients added to it.
Greek lentils are cooked without being soaked from the previous night because they are cooked so easily, then all the ingredients are fresh and of course the olive oil used, adds amazing flavour to any dish.
This is one of the recipes I cook very often during cold days. During summer I prefer to make the Cypriot recipe called Fakes Moutzentra.
I cooked this soup a few days ago and this is a twist to my traditional Greek recipe.
If you like you can add more tomato as well as 1 tablespoon tomato paste for a red soup.
If you like you can add additional raw olive oil on top as well as more vinegar.
Note:
Many people discard the water after boiling the lentils for 10 - 15 minutes. This is how my mother used to do it and I did it for many years, following her instructions. However, this water is not only tasty but also contains all the vitamins and other nutritious properties.
You can find more Lenten Recipes here.
I am sending this hearty soup to No Croutons Required, hosted by Lisa, of Lisa's Vegeterian Kitchen.
I am also sending it to Deb, of Kahakai Kitchen, hosting Souper Sundays.
On the way to My Legume Love Affair - Seventh Helping host by Srivalli, Event created by Susan, of The Well- Seasoned Cook.
You can find my Greek recipes in my cookbooks «More Than A Greek Salad», and«Mint, Cinnamon & Blossom Water, Flavours of Cyprus, Kopiaste!» both available on all Amazon stores. Read more here.
Fakes Soupa (Greek Lentil Soup)
Fakes (pronounced fakhés) is a Greek vegan lentil soup with vegetables It is of high nutritional value which makes it perfect for the cold days!
Ingredients
- 250 grams brown lentils
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 1 medium potato, diced (optional)
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- 2 ripe tomatoes (or more), peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
- 1 organic vegetable bouillon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of dried oregano
- 1 - 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons red wine or balsamic vinegar
- 750 ml of water (about 3 cups)
Instructions
- Check if there are any small stones in the lentils and put them in pot and cover them with water.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for fifteen minutes Drain lentils and keep the water. Set aside.
- Wash the pot and dry or use a new one. Heat the olive oil and sauté the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté together with onions for 1 more minute.
- Add the vegetables, the grated tomato, the bay leaves, the bouillon, salt pepper and oregano as well as the vinegar and reserved water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, checking at regular intervals so that potato may not stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the lentils and simmer covered for about 30 more minutes or until soup is ready and to the desired thickness.
- Serve hot with Greek Kalamata olives and bread (in moderation).
- If you like you can add additional raw olive oil on top as well as more vinegar.
Notes
Many people discard the water after boiling the lentils for 10 - 15 minutes. This is how my mother used to do it and I did it for many years, following her instructions. However, this water is not only tasty but also contains all the vitamins and other nutritious properties.
Nutrition Information
Yield 5 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 231Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 0mgSodium 98mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 7gSugar 6gProtein 7g
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Fakes Soupa (Greek Lentil Soup)
Fakes (pronounced fakhés) is a Greek vegan lentil soup with vegetables.  It is of high nutritional value which makes it perfect for the cold days!
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Kopiaste and Kali Orexi,
Very healthy Ivy and quite tasty too! I know what you mean about those unwanted Xmas kilos!
Thanks for the lovely entry Ivy..that really looks yummy!
It looks delicious and healthy! Yummy!
Cheers,
Rosa
Looks good, Ivy, especially with the hunk of bread and bowl of olives!
Ah yes, fakes are a standard meal in every Greek household. We have at least once a week. They really do make for an excellent and healthful meal.
One of my favorites Ivy, and luckily one of my children's favorites as well. Both my Giagiades, my mom and I have always made it the way you have with plenty of onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaf, a bit of tomato and a little vinegar to round things out at the end. I like your addition of potato as it makes the soup a bit heartier.
Bookmarked this recipe!
I used to not like fakes as a child (or so I thought) but I LOVE them now. It's one of my favorite soups! Looks great, Ivy and very healthy! I haven't technically baked sweets either, but last night I remembered some frozen chocolate chip cookie balls I had saved, and baked them. lol!
This soup looks yummy and delicious and really filling too.
Wish i had that bowl , it is really cold here.
Oh good, I have lots of lentils to use and pretty much all the other ingredients too. I'm going to have to make this soup!
Thanks for this tempting entry Ivy. I was looking forward to your submission and you did not disappoint!
I could use a big bowl of this right now to warm me up from the inside out after a walk around the neighbourhood..it is winter afterall:D
A lovely soup full of flavours. I'm sure a good olive oil must give it a wonderful flavour. I recently discovered kalamata olives and love thei flavour better than many other black olives I find here. Isd there something important about the name one should know? Or is it just the region from where it comes? thanks!
A very hearty, warming looking soup Ivy.
Ivy this is a lovely soup! A bowlful with some fresh rustic bread to dunk in it! Beautiful!