Lentils first appeared as a food in written sources in the 3rd century BC.
Name - Origin
Φακές.
Functional and symbolic role
'φακῆ' (fakí) is mentioned by Timon of Phlius, an Ancient Greek philosopher from the Hellenistic period who wrote satirical philosophical poetry during the 3rd century BC. Timon of Phlius mentions the most correct recipe of lentils to be the one invented by Zeno of Citium (Kition), a philosopher of the 4th-3rd c. BC who was the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy. According to the perception of that time, a philosopher is wise in all subjects. Hence, the recipe of Zeno which requires that coriander is added to a lentils dish. The extract is quoted by Athenaeus (2nd-3rd c. AD) in his work ‘Dipnosophistae' (4.158a,b).
'φακῆ' (fakí) is mentioned by Clearchus of Soli (4th-3rd c. BC) in his work ''Περί γρίφων'' (on riddles) amongst other foods. The extract is quoted by Athenaeus (2nd-3rd c. AD) in his work ‘Dipnosophistae'.
Additional information and bibliography
Athenaeus, Dipnosophistae 4.158a,b in: Gulick, C.B. translation (1987) Athenaeus-The Deipnosophists, Loeb Classical Library vol.2. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 504-505.
Athenaeus, Dipnosophistae 14.649a in: Gulick, C.B. translation (1980) Athenaeus-The Deipnosophists, Loeb Classical Library vol.6. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 504-505.
Αθήναιος, Δειπνοσοφισταί 4.158a,b στο: Gulick, C.B. μτφ. (1987) Athenaeus-The Deipnosophists, Loeb Classical Library τ.2. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 504-505
Αθήναιος, Δειπνοσοφισταί 14.649a στο: Gulick, C.B. μτφ. (1980) Athenaeus-The Deipnosophists, Loeb Classical Library τ.6. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 504-505
Natassa Charalambous.
Traditional Recipes
Lentil soup
A very simple recipe for legume soup, enhanced with rice and onion. This soup is usually served with bread and black olives.
Traditional Recipes
Lentil soup with trin
Before adding to the soup, half of the trin is lightly sautéed in olive oil until golden brown. Trin is a type of Cypriot homemade pasta.
Traditional Recipes
Lentil soup with vinegar
Lentils are boiled in water with rice or various greens and vegetables. Towards the end of cooking, olive oil and vinegar are added to the soup.