Greek Lentil Soup- “Fakes”

A soup with simple flavors, stacked with protein and iron, and amazing taste. This Greek lentil soup brings me the comfort of home every time.

A few weeks back I casually posted a picture of the lentil soup my mom brings over for us from time to time. I got an overwhelming request for the recipe so I decided it’s about time I post another recipe from Yiayia, the Greek cooking machine.

Her last recipe I posted was the amazing Whipped Hummus she makes and I have gotten loads of positive feedback from that! I also have another soup of hers that readers have requested, so look for that in the coming weeks too.

This Greek lentil soup is really simple, but oh so good! I grew up eating it, and although I didn’t appreciate it much as a kid, my kids literally DEVOUR it every time she makes it.

And I’m talking, 4 bowls full I can barely get any, type of devour. I don’t have any issue with this whatsoever since it is stocked full of protein, iron, veggies and so much goodness.

I mean, it could be worse than your kids demanding Greek lentil soup right? By the way, take note of the adorable red flower in some of these pictures, my oldest picked it for me while at the park with Yiayia the day I was photographing this soup. I just had to add it in 😉

I truly think the simpleness of it is really what makes this a great lentil soup. There aren’t too many flavors battling so the flavor of the lentils and veggies it has can really come out. It’s a traditional nothing fancy kind of soup that hits the spot when you’re looking for that cozy meal. It reminds me of home and childhood, so always brings me comfort.

Tips For Making This Greek Lentil Soup

• Make sure to have lots of fresh crusty bread on hand for dunking
• I saute the veggies in vegetable broth but you can also use your favorite oil
• The salt, pepper and oregano are to taste, so start with a little bit and continue to try the soup until you achieve the flavor you want.
• I use French green lentils in this because I like the less cooked consistency of lentils, but you can use any color. Green are the most “al dente”, brown are a little softer and red are the most soft. I wouldn’t suggest red as they may get too mushy. But make sure to check your lentils while pre-cooking to make sure they are cooked enough as they vary in cooking time depending on color used.
• Traditionally this soup is also topped off with the white vinegar and lemon juice, but I prefer to add a touch of hot sauce like my dad!
• Tips to prep ahead: Wash and chop the veggies. Rinse and partially cook the lentils.
• Baby/toddler food idea: Blend soup with an immersion blender or put into blender for baby food. If your baby is still sensitive to acidic food like tomatoes, do not add tomato sauce. You can serve to toddler as is or strain out broth for a less messy meal. You can also pulse to make it a thicker porridge like meal.

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4.67 from 6 votes

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Greek Lentil Soup- "Fakes"

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

40 mins

 

A soup with simple flavors, stacked with protein and iron, and amazing taste. Brings me the comfort of home every time.

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Greek

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 232 kcal

Author: Sophia DeSantis

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils see note
• 1 medium sweet onion
• 2 large carrots
• 2 sticks of celery
• 4 cups veggie broth , low sodium if needed
• extra broth or oil to sauté
• 2 - 4 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 bay leaves
• sea salt , to taste
• ground black pepper , to taste
• dried oregano , to taste

Traditional toppings to drizzle on top:

• vinegar
• lemon juice
• hot sauce (not traditional but I love it)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and add them to a pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook for about three minutes or until half done. Strain and set aside.
2. Peel and chop the onion, carrots and celery and slice the garlic cloves.

3. In the pot, sauté the onion, carrot and celery with veggie broth or oil until semi soft. Add the garlic and sauté for about one minute.

4. Add lentils and tomato sauce and stir for one minute. Start with 2 tablespoons tomato sauce and add more according to preferred flavor.

5. Add the 4 cups of veggie broth, and bay leaves. Then and oregano, salt and pepper to taste.

6. Bring to a boil and simmer over very low heat until lentils and vegetables are cooked, about 15 minutes. Check periodically to see if more broth is needed. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• I sauté with veggie broth but you can also use your favorite oil.
• The salt, pepper and oregano are to taste, so start with a little bit and continue to try the soup until you achieve the flavor you want.
• I use French green lentils in this because I like the less cooked consistency of lentils, but you can use any color. Green are the most "al dente", brown are a little softer and red are the most soft. I wouldn't suggest red as they may get too mushy. But make sure to check your lentils while pre-cooking to make sure they are cooked enough as they vary in cooking time depending on color used.
• Traditionally this soup is also topped off with the white vinegar and lemon juice, but I prefer to add a touch of hot sauce like my dad!
• Tips to prep ahead: Wash and chop the veggies. Rinse and partially cook the lentils.
• Baby/toddler food idea: Blend soup with an immersion blender or put into blender for baby food. If your baby is still sensitive to acidic food like tomatoes, do not add tomato sauce. You can serve to toddler as is or strain out broth for a less messy meal. You can also pulse to make it a thicker porridge like meal.

Recipe by Veggies Don't Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

Nutrition Facts

Greek Lentil Soup- "Fakes"

Amount Per Serving

Calories 232

% Daily Value*

Sodium 226mg9%

Potassium 740mg21%

Carbohydrates 41g14%

Fiber 16g64%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 13g26%

Vitamin A 5235IU105%

Vitamin C 9.7mg12%

Calcium 66mg7%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.