Fakes

Ingredients

• 300 g (1½ cups) brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried rosemary or oregano
• 80 ml (⅓ cup) olive oil
• 1–2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Cover the lentils with water, bring to a boil for 5 minutes, drain and rinse.
2. Return them to the pot with 1.5 litres (6 cups) of fresh water, the onion, garlic, carrot and bay leaves. Simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, rosemary and olive oil and simmer 10 to 15 minutes more, until thick.
4. Season, then stir in the vinegar just before serving. Each person adds more at the table.

Tip. The splash of vinegar is not optional in Greece. Serve with olives, bread and a few anchovies on fish days.