As the author of this recipe, I'd like to respond to some recent reviews. Indeed, this is a simple soup born out of generations that lived simply and were lucky if they had meat once every six months. The light and simple flavors are meant to be savored, and the vinegar at the end is imperative - it really adds a much needed dimension of flavour to the soup, and I'd never eat the soup without the vinegar! I use red wine vinegar. *** Also, someone commented on the soup not being healthy - with 1 tablespoon of olive oil per serving, and under 15 grams of (healthy) fat, I don't see how it could be considered otherwise! Anyone who knows anything about the revered Mediterranean diet knows that one of its virtues is olive oil as the main source of (healthy) fat. Skip the drizzle of olive oil at the end (which I often do) if you're scared of too much fat. *** Finally, for those who don't like rosemary, feel free to skip it - not everyone in Greece uses rosemary when making Fakes. Thanks and enjoy!
My whole family loved this soup, even the two picky teenagers. Don't be shy when adding the vinegar it defiantly needed it. Delicious!
My husband's family is Greek and his mom used to make this--I'm glad to have the recipe, the red wine vinegar really adds an incredible depth to the flavor--my husband loved it. thanks
I make this all the time - It's pretty much a staple in my house now. I find that it is a very forgiving recipe. Make it with or without tomato paste; I actually prefer it without. Tonight I didn't have onion so I just used extra carrot and added a can of tomatoes. It's always yummy and satisfying. You have to add the vinegar though, it makes it much more flavorful. It doesn't matter what kind you use, I use balsamic most of the time. Perfect with crusty french bread and goat cheese..yum!
Update: I recently began experimenting with the recipe by adding 3 diced and peeled red potatoes, a can of diced tomatoes, and a dash of cayenne. Perhaps not as traditional but delicious nonetheless!
My mom wouldn't give me a recipe for fakes because she said it was just in her head and I should just learn by watching but then she would never show me how to make them! So I searched the internet and your recipe seemed to be closest to what I thought it should. And it was! Delicious! Tastes just like my mom's. Don't tell HER though. ;)
I just recently went vegetarian for health and weight loss. This is one of the first recipes I tried. Wonderful!
I used broth instead of water. Out of habit I accidentally used chicken broth, however next time i will use veggie broth.
I also added an extra carrot and a finaly chopped zucchini for extra veggies. In addition, I didn't have brown lentils on hand - i had red, black and pearl barley. So i did 2 oz red lentils, 2 oz barley and 4 oz red lentils.
It was superb. I def recommend to everyone.
Fakes are something out of this world! Super nutritious, good for you and with tons of flavor! Just a few tips from someone who is Greek:
1. Add a lot of carrots. They help with not feeling "heavy" after having a plate of legumes.
2. DO NOT FORGET TO RINSE THEM AFTER BOILING FOR A WHILE! IT IS A CRUCIAL STEP TO COOKING FAKES. IF YOU SKIP THIS STEP YOU WILL BE LEFT WITH LEGUMES TASTING LIKE DOG FOOD. YOU DO NOT WANT TO DO THIS.
3. Sprinkle some grated Greek cheese on top of your plate ex. xerotiri which is salty or something similar to it.
4. Grind some fresh black pepper.
5. Finally, for an extra boost of flavor add a few drops of mild Tabasco.... Fakes will soon become your new best -comfort food...
Easy to make and delicious especially when reheated the following day. I doubled the quantity of spices and used chicken broth instead of water but regardless of how you tweak this recipe the red wine vinegar topper is an absolute must!
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!! Even my meat and potatoes hubby enjoyed this one! Will definately make again!
Did not like this at all. Added spices and still did not help. Maybe I did something wrong.
