Amalia’s Lentil(fakes) Soup
Greek Lentil Soup
Lentil soup, or as it is called in Greek, fakes (pronounced fah-khes) or φακές is one of the most wholesome hearty dishes of Greece. They're filling and budget-friendly. Not to mention packed with fiber, protein, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. Plus, their flavor is comforting, hearty and satisfying. This soup goes well with a fresh drizzle of olive oil, kalamata olives, feta cheese and of course some good crusty bread
Ingredients:
Ziyad Whole Lentils-Small 16 oz bag(Global Foods)
1-large white onion
1 tablespoon of chopped garlic(3 cloves)
2 cups of organic chopped carrots
2 cups of organic chopped celery
1 cup of diced tomatoes
2-bay leaves
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
3 cups of organic vegetable broth
3 cups of water
salt & pepper to your taste
Cooking Instructions:
I thoroughly rinse the lentils in a colander with lukewarm water and leave in a colander to drain.
Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, then add carrots and celery- for a few minutes then I add lentils and sauté them for about 2 to 3 min-this helps give the lentils a more nutty flavor, add balsamic vinegar, and sauté a little more, add garlic and then add tomato paste-make a small space in the center of the pot and sauté the paste-this helps take the bitterness out and sweeten the paste, add diced tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, spike seasoning and liquid.
Bring to boil and then reduce heat and cook covered for about 30 minutes until lentils are soft to the bite.
I drizzle fresh olive oil and some red wine vinegar to each individual bowl-serve with some green onions, kalamata olives, feta cheese and of course fresh pita bread or sourdough bread…..Enjoy!
