Indulge in the perfect balance of health and convenience with this delicious, hearty Greek Lentil Soup. It’s the ideal addition to your busy yet health-conscious lifestyle.

Every household needs a quick, hearty lentil soup that they can whip up with minimal effort, and this lentil soup ticks all the boxes. Lentils, known as fakes (pronounced fah-kess) in Greek, are rich in nutrients, cost-effective, and a fundamental ingredient in vegan and vegetarian cooking, due to their abundance of plant-derived protein. Lentils are also a huge part of the Mediterranean diet. In fact, the Mediterranean diet recommends eating at least three servings a week of legumes. Options include lentils, chickpeas, beans and peas.
This lentil soup has an amazing hearty, yet subtly creamy, texture. The secret lies in blending a portion of the soup once the lentils have reached the desired tenderness, and then reintroducing them back into the pot.
What’s remarkable about lentils is their rapid cooking time in comparison to other legumes.
If you enjoy cozy Greek soups, here are a few more traditional favourites you might like:
Health benefits of lentils
Lentil soup is a nutritious dish packed with protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. A single cup of cooked lentils contains approximately 18 grams of protein, making lentil soup an excellent source of plant-based protein. Additionally, lentils are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, contributing to digestive health, heart health, and overall well-being. The combination of protein and other nutrients in lentil soup provides sustained energy and promotes satiety, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option. For more information on the health benefits of lentils, check out this article in Medical News Today.
Ingredients for Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)

- Lentils: Use dried green or black lentils as they hold their shape well when cooked.
- Mirepoix: A classic combination of onions, carrots, and celery sautéed in olive oil, enhances the overall taste of the soup, balancing the earthy richness of the lentils.
- Vegetable stock: Provides a flavourful base that complements the natural taste of the lentils. You can add chicken stock if you prefer.
- Vinegar: Provides a tangy kick and adds a refreshing flavour.
How to make Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)

1. Prepare lentils by rinsing them well.

2. Bring to boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Strain.

3. Dice the onion and finely chop the garlic.

4. Cut the carrot and celery into small, evenly sized pieces.

5. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil for 2-3 minutes.

6. Add carrot and celery and sauté for approximately 8 minutes.

7. Add tomato paste, vegetables stock cube, bay leaves, salt and pepper, and stir through for another 1-2 minutes.

8. Add lentils and 5 cups of water and bring to the boil. Skim off any scum.

9. Place lid on and reduce heat. Simmer until lentils are cooked, approximately 40 minutes.

10. Remove bay leaves and add vinegar.

11. Pulse soup 2-3 times briefly with stick blender.

12. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil in each bowl and a teaspoon of vinegar, or more if you prefer. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips for making Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)
Can I make this soup using canned lentils?
Yes, you can. While using dried lentils enhances the overall texture and flavour, you can opt for the convenience of canned lentils to save about 20 minutes on cooking time. Simply adjust your quantities and method. Substitute 1 cup of dried lentils with a 400g/14oz can of lentils, drained and rinsed. Instead of adding 5 cups of water, use 3 ½ cups. Simmer the vegetables in the broth for 20 minutes, then add your lentils and let them simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Should lentils be soaked before cooking?
While lentils are indeed nutritious, for some people, they are a little more difficult to digest and can sometimes lead to bloating and gas, mainly due to their high fibre content. There are two things you can do to prepare your lentils before adding them to your soup:
- Soak the lentils: You can place them in a bowl of water and leave on the kitchen bench for 2 hours prior to cooking or place in the fridge to soak overnight. Soaking the lentils also means that your lentils will cook faster and you will reduce your cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.
- Bring lentils to a boil in a saucepan for 2 minutes. Then discard all the water and rinse well.
I always do the second tip and have included this step in the instructions in the recipe. I also find that there is less scum to skim off the surface when the lentils are simmering.
However, if bloating isn’t a concern for you, feel free to omit these two steps entirely.
Do I need to skim off scum when cooking?
Skimming off any scum that forms during cooking can help maintain the clarity and flavour of your lentil soup. So, the answer is yes. However, soaking and/or bringing lentils to a boil and discarding water can also help reduce the formation of scum during cooking, so you won’t need to skim off too much scum during the cooking process.
What to serve with Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)
Serve this Greek Lentil Soup with traditional sides like:
- Greek Sesame Bread Rings (Koulouri Thessalonikis)
- Spanakopita (Greek Spinach and Feta Pie)
- Greek Cabbage Salad (Lahanosalata)
- Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
- Greek Zucchini Fritters (Kolokithokeftedes)
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, place soup in the microwave or reheat on the stove. You can also freeze your leftover soup. Simply divide it into freezer-safe containers, and it will remain fresh for up to six months.
More Greek Soup Recipes
Looking for more Greek soup ideas? Check out these traditional favourites.