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A warm and inviting bowl of homemade Greek red lentil soup, topped with olive oil and parsley, placed on a modern kitchen countertop with a rustic touch.

Greek Red Lentil Soup (Fakes): A Nutritious and Flavorful Classic

Kathleen ron
Greek Red Lentil Soup, known as Fakes, is a traditional and comforting dish packed with protein, fiber, and Mediterranean flavors. Made with red lentils, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic herbs, this hearty soup is vegan-friendly, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal or as part of a Mediterranean diet.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine greek, Mediterranean
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven For simmering the soup
  • Wooden Spoon For stirring
  • Cutting Board & Knife For chopping onions and garlic
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons For accurate ingredient portions
  • Ladle For serving

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils rinsed
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar optional, for extra depth

Optional Additions for More Flavor

  • 1 carrot diced (for added sweetness)
  • 1 stalk celery chopped (for depth of flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika for a smoky touch
  • ½ teaspoon cumin for a warm, earthy note

Garnishing & Serving Suggestions

  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • Freshly chopped parsley or dill
  • Crumbled feta cheese for a non-vegan option
  • A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
  • Crusty bread or pita for dipping

Instructions
 

1️⃣ Prepare the Lentils

  • Rinse the red lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3️⃣ Cook the Tomato Paste

  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly for a richer flavor.

4️⃣ Simmer the Soup

  • Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5️⃣ Adjust Seasoning & Final Touches

  • Remove the bay leaf and stir in red wine vinegar (if using).
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
  • Garnish with parsley, feta cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Serve warm with crusty bread or pita.

🍴 Expert Tips & Tricks

  • ✅ For a thicker soup – Let the lentils cook slightly longer, or blend a portion of the soup for extra creaminess.
  • ✅ For a thinner soup – Add more broth or water as needed.
  • ✅ Caramelize the tomato paste – This enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
  • ✅ Let it sit – The soup tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors meld together.
  • ✅ Use high-quality olive oil – A good Greek extra virgin olive oil makes a big difference in flavor.

🌿 Variations & Substitutions

  • Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chickpeas or quinoa
  • Different Lentils: Use brown or green lentils, but increase cooking time.
  • Slow Cooker Version: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free! Just pair with gluten-free bread.

🥡 Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating:
  • Stovetop: Heat over low, adding broth if needed.
  • Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair this Greek lentil soup with:
  • Greek Salad – Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
  • 🫒 Kalamata Olives & Feta – A classic Mediterranean pairing.
  • Toasted Bread or Pita – Perfect for dipping.
  • 🍷 Wine Pairing: Light red wine (Pinot Noir) or a crisp white (Sauvignon Blanc).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use brown or green lentils instead of red?
  • Yes! But they take longer to cook and won’t break down as much, resulting in a chunkier soup.
  • Is Greek red lentil soup vegan-friendly?
  • Yes! The traditional Fakes recipe is naturally vegan.
  • How can I reduce the cooking time?
  • Use split red lentils or an Instant Pot (cook on high pressure for 10 minutes).
  • What protein can I add?
  • Try adding chickpeas, tofu, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
  • Can I make this soup in advance?
  • Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving - Based on 4 Servings)

  • Calories: ~250 kcal
  • Protein: ~12g
  • Carbohydrates: ~35g
  • Fats: ~7g
  • Saturated Fat: ~1g
  • Fiber: ~10g
  • Sodium: ~500mg
  • ✔ High-Protein & Fiber-Rich
  • ✔ Heart-Healthy & Anti-Inflammatory
  • ✔ Vegan & Dairy-Free
  • ✔ Gluten-Free

⭐ Final Thoughts

  • Greek Red Lentil Soup (Fakes) is a simple, healthy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. Whether you're meal prepping, looking for a high-protein plant-based meal, or just craving a cozy Mediterranean dish, this recipe has you covered.
  • 🔥 Try this authentic Greek lentil soup today and bring Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen! 🍲
Keyword Greek Lentil Soup