Cypriot Spiced Lentil Soup with Lemon and Herbs
This delectable Cypriot Spiced Lentil Soup, also known as Fakes Xithati, offers a rich blend of earthy flavors and vibrant spices. Cooked to perfection with tender brown lentils, fresh spring onions, and a splash of red wine vinegar, this vegan soup is both nutritious and satisfying. The finishing touch of olive oil and fresh herbs elevates it to a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad. Perfect for a light meal or as a comforting starter, this soup is sure to warm your heart. Enjoy it with wedges of lemon for an added zing and a healthy dose of vitamin C.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown lentils
2 cups (rinsed and drained)
water
8 cups (for cooking lentils)
cold water
1/4 cup (for mixing with flour)
spring onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
garlic clove
1 (crushed (optional))
flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
olive oil
1/3 cup (for cooking)
rice flour
1 tablespoon (for thickening (or regular flour))
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (for seasoning)
sea salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground for seasoning)
lemon
1 (cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by picking over the brown lentils, removing any debris. Rinse the lentils in several changes of cold water and then drain well.
2
In a large pot, combine the rinsed lentils with 8 cups of water, chopped spring onions, crushed garlic (if using), olive oil, and chopped flat-leaf parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
In a separate screw-top jar, combine 1/4 cup of cold water with 1 tablespoon of rice flour (or regular flour for a non-gluten-free version). Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
5
Gradually pour the flour mixture into the boiling soup while stirring continuously. This will help thicken the soup slightly. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Add red wine vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to return to a gentle boil, cooking for another 5 minutes.
7
Serve hot, garnished with wedges of fresh lemon for squeezing over individual bowls, alongside a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cypriot Spiced Lentil Soup?
Cypriot Spiced Lentil Soup, also known as Fakes Xithati, is a traditional vegan dish made with brown lentils, spring onions, garlic, and fresh herbs.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include brown lentils, spring onions, garlic, flat-leaf parsley, olive oil, rice flour, and red wine vinegar.
Is this lentil soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like lentils, olive oil, and herbs.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
The recipe is gluten-free if you use rice flour as the thickening agent as specified in the instructions.
What is the traditional name for this soup?
This soup is traditionally known in Cyprus as Fakes Xithati.
How long does it take to cook the lentils?
The lentils need to simmer for approximately 1 hour or until they are tender and cooked through.
What type of lentils are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 cups of brown lentils.
How do you thicken the soup?
The soup is thickened by mixing rice flour with cold water and gradually stirring it into the boiling soup.
What kind of vinegar is added to the soup?
Red wine vinegar is added toward the end of the cooking process for seasoning and depth of flavor.
How should I serve Cypriot Spiced Lentil Soup?
Serve the soup hot with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing and a side of crisp garden salad.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No, the recipe instructions specify picking over and rinsing the lentils in cold water rather than soaking.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley and spring onions are the primary herbs used to flavor the soup.
Is there any oil in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/3 cup of olive oil.
Can I use regular flour instead of rice flour?
Yes, you can use regular flour if a gluten-free version is not required.
How much water is needed for the soup?
The recipe requires 8 cups of water for cooking the lentils plus an additional 1/4 cup for the flour mixture.
How many spring onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of finely chopped spring onions.
Is garlic a required ingredient?
The garlic is listed as optional, but one crushed clove is recommended for added flavor.
What role does the lemon play?
Lemon wedges provide a fresh zing and a healthy dose of vitamin C when squeezed over the soup.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious dish rich in fiber from the lentils and healthy fats from olive oil.
What is the best way to mix the flour thickener?
Combine the flour and water in a screw-top jar and shake vigorously to ensure it is smooth and lump-free.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Salt and black pepper are added at the end of the cooking process along with the red wine vinegar.
Can I serve this as a starter?
Yes, this soup works perfectly as a comforting starter or as a light main meal.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup has an earthy, slightly thickened consistency with tender lentils.
How many cups of parsley are used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
Does the soup contain any cholesterol?
Based on the vegan ingredients provided, the soup contains no cholesterol.
What is the cooking heat for the simmering stage?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, the heat should be reduced to low for the simmering process.
How much red wine vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, you should cover the pot while the lentils are simmering for 1 hour.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the use of 2 cups of lentils and 8 cups of water typically serves 4 to 6 people.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup becomes too thick after adding the flour mixture, you can stir in a little more water to reach your desired consistency.