Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)

Beat the winter blues with this delicious Greek Lentil Soup.

Also known as fakes soup, this traditional Greek stew is brimming with wholesome, heartwarming ingredients. Prepare to be nourished by a hearty supply of lentils bathed in a rich herbal broth.

This vegetarian recipe is jam-packed with good-for-you ingredients, making it perfect for boosting immunity during cold and flu season.

Ready to indulge in a flavorful recipe? Learn how to make Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes) below!

What is Fakes Soup?

Fakes soup (pronounced “fah-kehs”) is a staple Greek soup. Lentils are the star of the show, but you’ll also find other main players like carrots, onions, and lots of fresh herbs in this tasty recipe.

This soup is thick and almost qualifies as a stew. It has an uber-flavorful broth that’s soul-soothing and delectable.

Fakes soup is a Greek winter staple that has nourished generations. It’s healthy, tasty, and goes easy on the wallet.

You create this recipe using mostly pantry ingredients, and it’s easy to make a big batch. Can you think of a better way to spend a snowy Sunday afternoon than making this fragrant soup for easy dinners throughout the week?

Key Ingredients:

Lentils. This tiny legume is packed full of protein and fiber. It’s the perfect meat substitution that helps bulk up meals for minimal cost. Lentils also contain an impressive dose of iron, vitamins, and minerals, classifying them as a superfood in our books.

Celery. This stalky green veggie has a decisive flavor, but when cooked in fakes, it absorbs the mouthwatering broth and becomes super tasty. The hydrating texture also offsets the graininess of lentils, providing a unique contrast in every spoonful.

Alliums (Onion and Garlic). Without alliums, life would be so bland. Adding a generous helping of onion and garlic is the key to making delectable fakes soup. Aside from providing flavor, alliums also boast impressive health benefits. Onions and garlic both contain antioxidants, which are beneficial to long-term health.

Tomato Paste. It may seem like a last-minute ingredient, but adding tomato paste to your fakes soup is crucial. Just a tablespoon creates a rich, thick texture that compliments the earthy lentils. It also adds a nice touch of sweetness to the savory soup. 

Fresh Parsley. Using fresh parsley in your fakes soup makes all the difference. You boil the leaves in the broth for nearly an hour, which infuses the soup with a savory, herbal flavor. 

How to Make Greek Lentil Soup:

Now that you know the key ingredients, let’s show you how to assemble the soup. It comes together quickly and fills your home with an inviting aroma. Below, you’ll learn step-by-step how to create Greek lentil soup (fakes).

If starting from dry lentils, soak them for 2-4 hours, then give them a good rinse. If you’re using canned lentils, pour them into a colander and wash them, picking out the undesirables.

Pour olive oil into a large pot, then warm over medium heat. After a minute, add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for a minute or until they turn translucent.

Add the chopped celery and carrots and cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the lentils and stir well, then add the stock. Start with using 6 cups, then see if it needs more liquid. Toss in the tomato paste, chopped parsley, and a bay leaf, then bring your soup to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer, then cook for an hour. After the time is up, taste the lentils. If they’re tender, your soup is ready, but if they taste tough, let it simmer for another 10-20 minutes. Feel free to add more stock if your soup is getting too thick.

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the salt and lemon juice. Spoon the soup into bowls and top with more chopped parsley, along with black pepper and oregano. Add some crumbled feta on top for a tangy garnish.

Recipe Tips

Use dried lentils to save money. Lentils are already cost-efficient, but if you want to make this soup even more budget-friendly, try using dried lentils. You only have to soak them for 2-4 hours, and you won’t notice the difference after tasting the soup.

Swap in thyme or oregano for bay leaf. If you’re fresh out of bay leaves, try upping the dose of oregano or adding some thyme to provide a fresh, herbal flavor to your soup. 

Substitute Kalamata olives for feta. Try garnishing your bowl with sliced Kalamata olives to make this soup completely plant-based. It adds the same salty tang as feta without any dairy. 

Out of lemon juice? Try vinegar. Your soup needs a punch of acidity at the end of cooking, so you can use any ingredient that will get the job done. If you don’t have any lemon juice, try using red wine or apple cider vinegar for more flavor complexity. 

Storing Leftovers

You can store your fakes soup in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, making it ideal for meal-prepping. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container for the best results.

If you have leftovers that you won’t be able to eat, you can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months. When defrosting, cook the mixture in a saucepan and add a touch of liquid to compensate for the moisture lost during the freezing process.

Try These Other Lentil Recipes

• Black Quinoa and Red Lentil Salad – A refreshing salad full of hearty ingredients 
• Spiced Carrot Lentil Soup – A soothing stew with a velvety texture
• Moroccan Red Lentil Soup – A zesty, flavorful soup that you make in a slow cooker