Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Red split lentils: 2 cups (400 grams)
2. Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
3. Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup)
4. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
5. Fresh herbs (such as oregano or basil): 2 tablespoons, chopped
6. Chicken broth or vegetable broth: 8 cups
7. Salt and pepper: to taste
8. Optional: Diced tomato, fresh lemon juice or Greek yogurt for serving

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 45-60 minutes
• Total: 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent.
3. Add the garlic and fresh herbs, and cook for another minute.
4. Add the lentils and stir well to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken broth or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked through and the soup has thickened.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve hot, with diced tomato, fresh lemon juice, or a dollop of Greek yogurt, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 250 calories per serving (based on 8 servings)
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 16g
• Fibre: 8g (approx.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Thick and hearty, with a rich flavor from the lentils and herbs.
• Healthy and nutritious, with a high protein and fiber content.
• Can be customized with additional flavors such as diced tomato or lemon juice for a more acidic taste.
• Suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as well as meat-lovers.

User Comments:

1. "This lentil soup was delicious! The flavors were rich and hearty, and I loved the addition of fresh herbs."
2. "I made this for a vegetarian friend and it was a hit! The soup was creamy and filling."
3. "I added diced tomato and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of tanginess - really enjoyed this dish."
4. "I followed the recipe to the T and it came out perfect! The lentils were cooked just right."
5. "This soup is so comforting, especially on a cold winter day."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use high-quality chicken broth or vegetable broth for the best flavor.
• Lentils may vary in thickness; cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. Check the lentils regularly during cooking to avoid overcooking.
• Fresh herbs add a lot of flavor to the soup; if using dried herbs, reduce the quantity by half.