Fakes

Fakes, also known as Greek lentil soup, is a comforting and nutritious dish that has been a staple in Greek cuisine for centuries. This simple yet flavorful soup is made with lentils, vegetables, herbs, and spices, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. In this article, we will explore the origins of fakes, the key ingredients that give it its distinct taste, and provide a recipe for you to enjoy this traditional Greek soup.

The Origins of Fakes: Fakes has a long history in Greek cuisine and is often associated with traditional Greek fasting periods, such as Lent. Lentils have been cultivated in the Mediterranean region for thousands of years, making them an essential ingredient in Greek cooking. Fakes has become popular not only for its taste but also for its nutritional value, as lentils are rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

Key Ingredients of Fakes: The key ingredients in fakes are lentils, onions, garlic, carrots, tomatoes, and a combination of herbs and spices. The choice of lentils can vary, but the most commonly used variety in Greek cuisine is brown or green lentils, which hold their shape when cooked and provide a slightly nutty flavor. The combination of aromatic vegetables, herbs like bay leaves and thyme, and spices such as cumin and paprika contribute to the distinct taste of fakes.

Classic Fakes Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
2. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the diced carrots to the pot and continue cooking for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. Stir in the lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth or water, bay leaves, dried thyme, ground cumin, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Once the lentils are cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves.
7. Ladle the fakes into bowls and drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
8. Serve the fakes hot with crusty bread for dipping or as a side dish with a Greek salad.

Variations and Tips:

• For added flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until golden brown before adding the carrots and other ingredients.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as celery, bell peppers, or spinach to the soup for extra texture and nutrition.
• Some traditional Greek fakes recipes include vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy kick. Add a splash of either to the soup if desired.
• Fakes tastes even better the next day, so consider making a larger batch to enjoy as leftovers.