How to Make Greek Red Lentil Soup: A Mediterranean Favorite

Greek red lentil soup, known as Fakes Soupa in Greece, is a comforting and nutritious dish that has been a staple in Mediterranean kitchens for centuries. This simple yet flavorful soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal.

Unlike other lentil soups, Greek-style Fakes Soupa stands out because of its unique combination of tomatoes, herbs, olive oil, and acidity from vinegar or lemon juice. These ingredients create a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet broth that pairs perfectly with warm bread or a Greek salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy to Make: Requires only one pot and minimal ingredients.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein.
• Flavorful & Comforting: A rich Mediterranean taste in every spoonful.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

Choosing the Right Lentils for the Soup

Lentils are a versatile ingredient, but not all types work well in this soup. Here’s why red lentils are the best choice:

Red Lentils: Cook faster, become creamy when simmered, and absorb flavors beautifully.
Brown Lentils: Work for soup but remain firmer and take longer to cook.
Green Lentils: Hold their shape better but lack the creamy texture needed for Fakes Soupa.

Pro Tip: Always rinse red lentils under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and debris.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Greek Flavor

To achieve an authentic Greek taste, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• Red Lentils – The star of the dish, giving it a hearty texture.
• Olive Oil – Use extra virgin olive oil for a rich, smooth finish.
• Onion & Garlic – Essential for a flavorful base.
• Carrots – Adds a touch of natural sweetness.
• Tomatoes – Use fresh, canned, or tomato paste to add depth to the broth.
• Bay Leaves & Oregano – Classic Greek herbs that enhance the aroma.
• Red Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice – Adds the signature tangy taste.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning.

The Importance of Olive Oil & Acidity in Greek Soups

One of the secrets to making authentic Greek lentil soup is the balance of flavors.

Olive Oil: Traditional Greek soups often include a generous drizzle of olive oil at the end for richness.

Acidity: Adding a splash of red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking brightens the flavor and prevents the soup from tasting flat.

Variations & Additions to Customize Your Soup

Once you master the classic version, try these variations:

Extra Vegetables: Add spinach, kale, or potatoes for more nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or chili powder for heat.
Greek Twist: Top with crumbled feta cheese or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken or Greek sausage (loukaniko) for a meaty variation.

Classic Greek Red Lentil Soup Recipe (Fakes Soupa)

This classic Greek red lentil soup is hearty, rich in flavor, and perfect for a comforting meal. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and high in protein, making it a great healthy option.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups red lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or 2 tablespoons tomato paste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions:

Sauté the Aromatics:

• Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
• Add onion, garlic, and carrot; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).

Cook the Lentils:

• Add the rinsed red lentils to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes.

Simmer the Soup:

• Pour in the vegetable broth and tomatoes.
• Add oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are soft.

Final Touches:

• Remove bay leaves and stir in red wine vinegar or lemon juice.
• Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve & Enjoy:

• Drizzle with extra olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley or feta cheese.
• Serve with crusty bread or a Greek salad on the side.

Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Greek Red Lentil Soup

Want a hands-free version? Try these alternative cooking methods:

Slow Cooker:

• Add all ingredients (except vinegar) to the slow cooker.
• Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
• Stir in vinegar before serving.

Instant Pot:

• Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in the Instant Pot using the Sauté setting.
• Add the remaining ingredients and seal the lid.
• Cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
• Stir in vinegar before serving.

Creamy Greek Red Lentil Soup Variation

Love a smooth and creamy soup? Try this variation:

How to Make It Creamy:

• Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
• Add ½ cup coconut milk or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Best Garnishes:

• Toasted nuts (almonds or pine nuts)
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)

Vegan & Gluten-Free Greek Lentil Soup

This vegan and gluten-free variation keeps all the flavors intact.

Key Adjustments:

• Use gluten-free vegetable broth.
• Replace vinegar with fresh lemon juice.
• Garnish with nutritional yeast instead of feta cheese.

Protein-Packed Greek Red Lentil Soup with Chicken or Sausage

Want to add protein? Here’s how:

Chicken Version:

• Add cooked, shredded chicken in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Greek Sausage (Loukaniko) Version:

• Brown sliced loukaniko sausage in a separate pan.
• Stir it into the soup before serving.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Greek Lentil Soup

Pair your Greek Red Lentil Soup with classic Mediterranean side dishes to elevate your meal. Here are some of the best options:

Traditional Greek Bread – A crusty loaf of sourdough, pita, or whole wheat bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.

Greek Salad (Horiatiki Salata) – Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese tossed in olive oil and oregano complement the soup beautifully.

Garlic or Herb Butter Crostini – Toasted bread with garlic butter or a sprinkle of Parmesan adds texture and flavor.

Grilled Vegetables – Roasted eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers seasoned with olive oil and oregano bring a delicious, smoky contrast to the soup.

Roasted Potatoes – A simple side of Greek-style lemon potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes pairs perfectly.

Feta & Olive Platter – Serve a side of Greek feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and hummus for an authentic touch.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

This soup stores and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Refrigeration:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• The flavors develop over time, making it even more delicious!

Freezing:

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For portion control, freeze in individual servings.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• Frozen Soup: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Making It for Meal Prep & Busy Weeknights

This soup is meal prep-friendly and can be stored in batches.

Prep Ahead Tips:

• Chop vegetables in advance and store them in a sealed container in the fridge.
• Measure out seasonings and store them together for quick cooking.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for later.

Easy Grab-and-Go Lunch Idea:

• Store portions in mason jars or meal prep containers for easy reheating.
• Pack a side of pita chips or a small salad to enjoy with the soup.

Best Drinks to Pair with Greek Lentil Soup

Pairing your soup with the right beverage enhances the experience.

Greek White Wines – A crisp Assyrtiko or Moschofilero balances the soup’s acidity.

Herbal Teas & Infusions – Greek mountain tea (Tsai tou vounou) or chamomile pairs well.

Lemon Water or Sparkling Water – Refreshing and light, ideal for a simple pairing.

Light Red Wines – A Pinot Noir or Grenache complements the tomato-based broth.

Homemade Lemonade – A slightly sweet lemon drink enhances the Mediterranean flavors.

Fun & Creative Serving Ideas

Make your Greek Red Lentil Soup more exciting with these fun serving ideas:

Bread Bowl Presentation – Serve the soup in hollowed-out crusty bread for a rustic touch.

Lentil Stew Variation – Thicken leftovers by reducing the broth and serving over rice or quinoa.

Lentil Soup Dip – Blend the soup into a thick spread and serve with pita chips.

Spicy Lentil Soup – Top with extra chili flakes or harissa for heat lovers.

Deconstructed Lentil Soup Salad – Strain the soup slightly and mix with fresh cucumber, feta, and parsley for a warm lentil salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red?
Yes! However, red lentils cook faster and create a creamier texture, while green/brown lentils hold their shape and take longer to soften.

What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
You can use fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy effect.

Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.

How do I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of harissa for extra heat.

What’s the best way to prevent lentils from getting mushy?
Avoid overcooking—check them at the 25-minute mark to maintain texture.

Can I add coconut milk for a creamier soup?
Yes! Coconut milk adds a delicious creaminess while keeping the soup dairy-free.

How do I prevent the soup from being too acidic?
If it tastes too acidic from the tomatoes, balance it with a pinch of sugar or extra olive oil.

What can I do if my soup is too thick?
Simply add more vegetable broth or water and stir until you reach the desired consistency.

Is this soup suitable for babies or kids?
Yes! If making for young children, reduce the salt and vinegar and blend for a smoother texture.

Can I make this soup oil-free?
Yes! Just sauté with water or broth instead of olive oil, but olive oil enhances the flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Red Lentil Soup (Fakes Soupa) is a nutrient-packed, protein-rich dish that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep. Whether you enjoy it classic-style, creamy, or with added protein, it’s a versatile and satisfying dish that pairs well with a variety of Mediterranean sides.