National Dish Cyprus: Fakes (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Fakes, the humble lentil soup that sits close to the heart of Cypriot home cooking! Warming, wholesome and gently perfumed with cumin and a bright squeeze of lemon, it turns a handful of everyday ingredients into something genuinely comforting. This is Mediterranean cooking at its most honest — simple, nourishing and full of flavour. Bring a taste of Cyprus to your own kitchen with a steaming bowlful.
About Fakes
Fakes is a traditional lentil soup rooted deep in the culture of Cyprus. This hearty speciality brings together the essential ingredients of the Mediterranean to create a dish that is both filling and nourishing. Freshly harvested lentils, aromatic spices and a splash of lemon juice give the soup a wonderfully refreshing lift. Thanks to the simplicity of its ingredients, Fakes reflects the guiding principles of Cypriot cooking: freshness, flavour and food made with care.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g green or brown lentils
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1.5 l vegetable stock or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Fakes, look out for good-quality, fresh ingredients. Your choice of lentils has a direct effect on the finished result; green or brown lentils are ideal, as they soak up the flavour of the spices so well. Visit a local market or a wholefood shop to pick up fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. A bottle of fresh olive oil is another insider tip for giving the soup its full, rounded flavour.
Preparing the dish
Getting Fakes ready is straightforward and takes very little time. First, rinse the lentils carefully and remove any grit or impurities. Then chop and dice the vegetables: the onion, carrots and garlic should be cut into small pieces so their aromas develop fully during cooking. A little groundwork makes the cooking process easier and helps the dish cook evenly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan and add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until golden brown.
- Add the diced carrots and fry everything together for a further 5 minutes.
- Tip in the well-rinsed lentils and pour over the vegetable stock or water.
- Add the spices (cumin, paprika, salt and pepper) and bring the soup to the boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for around 30–40 minutes, until the lentils are soft.
- Just before serving, stir through the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Fakes is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. Since lentils are the main ingredient, this dish can be enjoyed without worry by anyone with a gluten intolerance. For a lactose-free version, simply make sure the stock you choose contains no dairy products. These small adjustments make Fakes an excellent choice for anyone avoiding gluten or lactose. It sits comfortably alongside other pulse-based classics such as Louvi.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans, Fakes is ideal, as it contains no animal products at all. To add extra depth, you can fold in more vegetables or pulses. A scattering of fresh herbs such as parsley or coriander at serving time also gives the soup a lovely freshness. Vegetarians can vary things too, offering a little feta cheese on the side, which pairs beautifully with the flavours of the soup.
More tips and tricks
To intensify the flavours of Fakes, you can soak the lentils overnight. This shortens the cooking time considerably and helps the lentils cook more evenly. Experimenting with different spices — a pinch of cinnamon or curry, for example — can also give the dish a personal touch. Serve the soup with toasted bread to round off the whole experience.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Fakes lends itself wonderfully to individual preferences. If you would like to pack in more vegetables, peppers or celery make a great addition. For a gentle kick of heat, a little chilli or extra pepper does the trick. The recipe also scales up easily for larger portions, making it a perfect dish for sociable evenings shared with friends.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not care for lentils or have none in the house, other pulses such as beans or chickpeas work well too — the same principle behind a hearty Fasolada or a bowl of Louvi Me Lahana. You can also swap shop-bought stock for a homemade one to deepen the flavour. In place of vegetable stock, a good vegetable fond brings extra umami notes to the soup. Make your Fakes exactly the way you like it!
Drink pairing ideas
To support the flavours of Fakes, a lightly chilled white wine or a fresh rosé works nicely. A sparkling mineral water with lemon can complement the bright, fresh notes of the soup beautifully. A classic Ouzo is also among the traditional drinks of Cyprus and could be the perfect accompaniment to the meal. Vary your choice with the season and your mood to make the most of the experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation matters with Fakes, adding to the pleasure of the meal. Serve the soup in pretty, deep bowls and garnish with fresh herbs. A drizzle of olive oil or a few croutons can complete the picture. And do not forget to add a few lemon wedges, so your guests can season the soup to their own liking. A slice of Daktyla on the side makes a fine finishing touch.
A bit of history
Fakes has a long tradition in Cypriot cooking and reflects the island’s agricultural past. Lentils are one of the oldest cultivated plants and have played a crucial role across the Mediterranean. These nourishing pulses have been prized as a staple food for centuries and feature in many regional dishes. Fakes is therefore not just a dish but a small piece of Cypriot history, part of the wider story of Cypriot cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Fakes
In short, Fakes is a delicious and hearty lentil soup that is not only rich in nutrients but also captures the flavours of Cyprus. Whether as a warming main course or a satisfying starter, this dish wins you over with its versatility and simplicity. With the right preparation and a few tweaks, it can be adapted to suit any palate and any diet. Dive into the culinary traditions of Cyprus and enjoy your very own bowl of Fakes!
