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Greek Lentil Soup (Faki)

Simmered with Athenian extra virgin olive oil, bay leaves, and red wine vinegar тАФ warming, wholesome comfort food with true Mediterranean soul.

15 Prep (mins)
50 Cook (mins)
6 Servings
Easy Difficulty

Few dishes capture the beauty of traditional Greek home cooking quite like Greek Lentil Soup, also known as Faki. Humble in ingredients yet rich in character, this classic Mediterranean staple is beloved for its hearty texture, earthy flavor, and nourishing simplicity. Made with lentils, aromatics, Athenian extra virgin olive oil, bay leaves, and a splash of red wine vinegar, faki is the kind of soup that feels timeless тАФ budget-friendly, naturally wholesome, and deeply satisfying.

тП▒я╕П 15 min Prep Time
ЁЯФе 50 min Cook Time
ЁЯХР 1 hr 5 m Total Time
ЁЯН╜я╕П 6 Servings
тнР Easy Difficulty
ЁЯег Cozy Best For

Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 1┬╜ cups brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked through
  • ┬╝ cup Athenian extra virgin olive oil, plus more for finishing
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, grated or finely chopped)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 6 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • ┬╜ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Optional for Serving

  • Extra Athenian extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • Crumbled feta
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Kalamata olives on the side
  • Crusty bread or toasted pita

Instructions

01

Rinse the Lentils

Place the lentils in a colander and rinse them well under cool water. Check through them quickly to remove any debris. Set aside.

02

Saut├й the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the Athenian extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant.

03

Build the Soup

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, lentils, bay leaves, oregano, water or broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the broth has developed a rich, earthy flavor. Stir occasionally as it cooks.

04

Finish with Vinegar

Once the lentils are tender, remove the bay leaves. Stir in the red wine vinegar and let the soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.

The vinegar is what gives traditional faki its signature brightness тАФ do not skip it.

05

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a generous drizzle of extra Athenian extra virgin olive oil. Add feta, parsley, or olives if desired, and serve with crusty bread or warm pita.

Recipe Tips

  • Do not skip the vinegar тАФ it adds the bright, tangy finish that makes Greek lentil soup so distinctive and instantly recognizable.
  • Use good olive oil, because it is one of the main flavors in this dish, not just a cooking fat.
  • Simmer gently and low for the best texture and fullest, most developed flavor.
  • Add more water or broth if you prefer a looser, brothier soup.
  • Let it rest before serving if you have time тАФ the flavor deepens beautifully as it sits.

Why This Recipe Works

This Greek Lentil Soup (Faki) proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort. Lentils bring heartiness and protein, the vegetables create a savory base, and the olive oil ties everything together with rich Mediterranean character.

The bay leaves and oregano add warmth and depth, while the red wine vinegar brightens the soup at the end and balances the earthy lentils beautifully тАФ a dish that feels wholesome, rustic, and authentic without being complicated.

For AthenianFoods.com, this recipe is a strong addition because it highlights pantry staples and traditional Greek flavor in a way that feels accessible, nourishing, and timeless.

Variations

Faki is wonderfully easy to adapt. Here are four ways to make it your own:

ЁЯНЮ

Make It More Rustic

Leave the soup chunky and serve it with plenty of crusty bread and extra olive oil drizzled right on top.

ЁЯег

Make It Smoother

Blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a thicker, creamier, more velvety texture.

ЁЯем

Add More Vegetables

Stir in spinach, kale, or extra carrots near the end for an even more nourishing, colorful bowl.

ЁЯНЪ

Make It Heartier

Serve it over rice or alongside roasted potatoes to turn it into a more filling, complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Greek Lentil Soup pairs beautifully with:

Warm Crusty Bread Toasted Pita Greek Salad Olives & Feta Roasted Vegetables Grilled Fish Rice or Orzo Mezze Spread

It also works wonderfully as part of a vegetarian Mediterranean meal тАФ simple, satisfying, and deeply nourishing.

ЁЯлЩ

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. This is an excellent make-ahead soup тАФ the flavor gets even better the next day.

The soup will thicken as it sits, so add a little water or broth when reheating if needed. It also freezes very well for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greek lentil soup?
Greek lentil soup, also called faki, is a traditional Mediterranean soup made with lentils, olive oil, vegetables, herbs, and red wine vinegar. It is one of the most beloved everyday dishes in Greek cuisine тАФ simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.
What makes faki different from other lentil soups?
Faki is known for its generous use of high-quality olive oil and the bright finishing splash of red wine vinegar that gives it a distinctly Greek character. Most other lentil soups don’t include vinegar, which is what makes this one taste so recognizably authentic and alive.
Can I make Greek lentil soup ahead of time?
Yes тАФ it is one of the best soups for making ahead. The flavor deepens and improves overnight as the lentils continue to absorb the broth and spices. Simply reheat gently, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
Is Greek lentil soup vegetarian?
Yes. When made with water or vegetable broth, faki is naturally vegetarian and vegan. It is a hearty, protein-rich option that does not require any meat to feel satisfying and complete.
What do you serve with faki?
Faki is traditionally served with crusty bread, olives, feta, and a simple Greek salad. A drizzle of good olive oil over the top at serving is essential. It also pairs well with toasted pita, roasted vegetables, or grilled fish for a fuller Mediterranean meal.
Bring Mediterranean Comfort to Your Kitchen

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