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Arabic Lentil Soup Recipe

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4.1 from 2 reviews

A comforting and aromatic Arabic Lentil Soup featuring a fragrant blend of spices, red lentils, and fresh vegetables, simmered to perfection and lightly blended for a smooth yet hearty texture. Perfect for a nourishing, easy-to-make meal that captures Middle Eastern flavors.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 2 carrots (finely chopped)
  • 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
  • 1 tomato (chopped)

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils (rinsed and picked over)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lemon wedges (to serve)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add Vegetables: Stir in minced garlic, chopped carrot, celery, and tomato. Cook this mixture for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened and melded together.
  3. Add Spices and Lentils: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric, and stir well. Add the rinsed red lentils, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices and coat the lentils.
  4. Simmer Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are fully cooked and tender.
  5. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
  6. Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender or a hand blender, blend the soup partially or fully, according to your preferred consistency—some like it chunkier, others smoother.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for drizzling.

Notes

  • Rinse and pick over lentils to remove any debris for a cleaner taste and texture.
  • Feel free to adjust the blending level depending on whether you prefer a creamy or chunkier soup.
  • Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens and balances the earthy lentil flavors.
  • This soup freezes well; reheat gently and add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
  • Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/arabic-lentil-soup-recipe/