Fakes Soupa: Greek Lentil Soup

• Serves: 4 to 8

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound of lentils
• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mint or basil
• 2 minced cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika

Instructions

Sort and wash the lentils in cold water, then boil them for 5 minutes to remove the shells. Drain them, rinse several times in cold water, then put them into a large pot with 3 cups of fresh water and bring to a boil.

While the lentils are heating, melt the buttter in a skillet, then sautee the remaining ingredients in the butter for a few minutes. Then, when the lentils boil, add this mixture. Reduce the heat and cook about 40 minutes until everything is tender.

Serve with a dash of red wine vinegar. Some regions also drizzle with olive oil at the table.

Variation: Add 1/2 cup chopped green pepper to the sautee pan.