Ev’s Lentil Soup (Greek – Fakess)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 3
Greek style Lentil Soup with a tinge of balsamic vinegar made by Ev
in Soup

Prep

10 min

Cook

90 min

Ready In

100 min

Level

Easy

Rating

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Ingredients

1 lb small dried brown lentils , picked over and rinsed
1/2 cup bulgur wheat ( optional ) or 1/2 cup pearl barley ( optional )
2 large onions , minced
5 garlic cloves , quartered
4 medium carrots , grated fine
2 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 large bay leaves
2 teaspoons salt , to taste ( or you can use 3 beef stock cubes with 1/2 tsp salt for this amount )
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 quarts boiling water
3/4 cup olive oil
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
369
Sugar
5g
Fat
21g
Ev's Lentil Soup is a traditional Greek recipe that traces its roots to the traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Popular as Fakess in Greece, this soup is made from brown lentils, carrots, onion, garlic, tomato paste, bulgur wheat, and spices like bay leaf. It is cooked in a large pot and is seasoned with olive oil and balsamic vinegar that gives it a tangy flavor. It is loaded with nutrients and health benefits that make it a perfect addition to your diet. This soup tastes amazing with some feta cheese crumbled over it as it accentuates the tangy flavor of the soup.

Instructions

1.In a large pot, combine the lentils, bulgur wheat or pearl barley (if using), onions, garlic cloves, grated carrots, tomato paste, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
2.Add boiling water and stir.
3.Add olive oil and stir well.
4.Stir in balsamic vinegar and heat the soup.
5.Simmer over low heat until the lentils are tender and the soup is thick, about 1 1/2 hours.
6.Remove the bay leaves and discard.
7.Adjust seasoning and thickness as required.
8.Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle of feta cheese on the top if desired.

PROS

This Greek Lentil Soup is a healthy vegan, high-fiber, and high-protein comfort food.
Easy to cook, delicious in taste, and gluten-free.

CONS

Lentils may increase intestinal gas, slight care to be taken while eating them as it could lead to flatulence.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates which lead to slow digestion leading to reduced insulin secretion. It is good for gut bacteria, and absorption of sugar in the body.
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are also nutritious, and the consumption of these foodstuffs in moderate amounts reduces the risk of heart diseases and cancer.

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