Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes Soupa) Recipe
Greek Lentil Soup, also known as Fakes Soupa, is a hearty and nutritious Mediterranean classic. This comforting soup features cooked lentils simmered with aromatic vegetables, tomato paste, and herbs, delivering rich flavors and satisfying warmth. Perfect for a wholesome meal, it is typically garnished with tangy feta cheese and a splash of red wine vinegar for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 3 cans lentils (15 oz / 400 g each can or 4½ cups / 690 g cooked lentils)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 leek, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional — adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz / 400 g)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Garnish
- 4 ounces feta cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, thinly sliced leek, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the grated garlic, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Continue cooking, stirring constantly for 1 minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly, intensifying the depth of flavor in the soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and stir in the red wine vinegar to add brightness. Optionally, blend a cup of the soup to incorporate some creaminess and stir it back in. Serve the hot soup garnished with crumbled feta cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use either canned or pre-cooked lentils for convenience.
- The red pepper flakes are optional; adjust based on your preferred spice level.
- Blending a portion of the soup creates a creamier texture without adding cream.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure vegetable broth is used instead of chicken broth.
Keywords: Greek lentil soup, Fakes Soupa, vegetarian soup, healthy lentil recipe, Mediterranean soup
Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/greek-lentil-soup-fakes-soupa-recipe/
