🇬🇷 Greece · Food
Fakes Soupa: Traditional Greek Lentil Soup
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
Fakes Soupa is a humble yet incredibly nutritious and flavorful staple of Greek cuisine, offering warmth and comfort in every spoonful. This hearty brown lentil soup is slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables like onion, garlic, and carrot, seasoned with bay leaf, and finished with a bright splash of red wine vinegar and generous olive oil.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Rinse 250g (about 1.5 cups) of brown or green lentils thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Transfer them to a large pot, cover with 1.5 liters of fresh cold water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse the lentils again. This step removes impurities and makes them more digestible.
- 2
In the same pot, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped large onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 finely diced carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- 3
Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1 bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. This deepens the flavor of the soup base.
- 4
Add the rinsed lentils back to the pot. Pour in 1.2 liters (about 5 cups) of fresh water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 5
Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir in 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and an additional 2 tablespoons of good quality extra virgin olive oil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; the vinegar adds a crucial brightness.
- 6
Ladle the Fakes Soupa into bowls. For an authentic touch, serve with a further drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano, alongside crusty bread and perhaps some Kalamata olives or pickled vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?+
For Fakes Soupa, traditional brown or green lentils usually don't require soaking, but a quick 5-minute boil and rinse (as described) helps remove impurities and makes them more digestible, reducing cooking time slightly.
What kind of lentils are best for Fakes Soupa?+
Brown or green lentils (like Puy lentils) are ideal for Fakes Soupa as they hold their shape well during cooking and offer a robust, earthy flavor. Avoid red lentils, which tend to break down and become mushy.
How can I make my Fakes Soupa thicker or thinner?+
For a thicker soup, mash a portion of the cooked lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon. For a thinner consistency, simply add more hot water or vegetable broth until desired thickness is reached.
What are common toppings or accompaniments for Fakes Soupa?+
Fakes Soupa is traditionally served with a drizzle of fresh extra virgin olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar, and often accompanied by crusty bread, Kalamata olives, or even a side of pickled vegetables.
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