Lentils are so nutritional as they contain a great source of protein, iron, fibre, magnesium and folate.
Fakes (Greek lentil soup) is lent friendly, making it a fantastic dish for those who are looking to eat something simple and tasty during fasting and it really is a staple during Greek Orthodox Great Lent.
This recipe includes olive oil, however, if you are also fasting from oil during Holy Week, you do not include this ingredient.
Makes 6 soup bowls
Ingredients
– 250 grams brown lentils
– 8 cups of water
– 1 x red onion, finely chopped
– 2 x garlic cloves, finely chopped
– 1 x carrot, peeled and chopped
– 2 x celery sticks, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup of parsley, finely chopped
– 1 x bay leaf
– 3 x tomatoes, grated
– 1/4 cup of olive oil (optional)
– salt and pepper to taste
– 1 x tablespoon vinegar (optional)
Method
– Wash lentils thoroughly and place in a pot with covering water and bring to a boil.
– Drain lentils and set aside.
– Finely chop celery, onion, parsley and garlic.
– Grate tomatoes and carrot.
– Place pot over medium heat and add water, lentils, tomatoes, celery, carrots, garlic and bay leaf. Stir with a wooden spoon and allow to simmer with the lid on for about 25 minutes.
– Pour in olive oil, salt, pepper and vinegar (optional) stir again and cook on medium heat, with lid on for another 40 minutes, or until it thickens.
