Lebanese Lentil Soup

hearty lebanese lentil soup

Imagine a steaming bowl of Lebanese Lentil Soup, its aroma wafting through your kitchen with notes of cumin and coriander.

There’s something about the simplicity of this dish that feels like a warm embrace.

With just a few steps, you’ll transform humble lentils, vibrant veggies, and fragrant spices into a comforting, nourishing delight.

The flavors meld beautifully, creating a soup that’s both hearty and heartwarming.

Let’s bring this dish to life together!

Kitchen Tools Required

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 knife
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 ladle

Ingredients

  • 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Lebanese Lentil Soup, you can follow this timeline:

Timeline for Preparation and Cooking

  1. Reading & Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes)
    • Spend a few minutes reading the recipe thoroughly and gathering all necessary ingredients and equipment.
  2. Prep Work (10 minutes)
    • Rinse the lentils.
    • Chop the onion.
    • Mince the garlic.
    • Dice the carrots and celery.
    • Juice the lemon.
  3. Cooking Time (40 minutes)
    • Minute 0-5: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
    • Minute 5-10: Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
    • Minute 10-11: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and cook for 1 minute.
    • Minute 11-13: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
    • Minute 13-15: Reduce the heat to a simmer.
    • Minute 15-17: Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot.
    • Minute 17-47: Cover and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Final Steps (8 minutes)
    • Minute 47-48: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Minute 48-49: Stir in the lemon juice before removing the pot from heat.
    • Minute 49-54: Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
    • Minute 54-55: Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and cook for 1 minute.

Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and water to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot.

Cover and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in the lemon juice before removing the pot from heat.

Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

  • Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
  • Side Salad: Serve with a fresh side salad for a light and invigorating contrast to the hearty soup.
  • Rice Pilaf: Complement the soup with a serving of rice pilaf for a more filling meal.
  • Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy kick by serving with a side of pickled vegetables.
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Enjoy with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and satisfying combination.

Storage

To store Lebanese Lentil Soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently before serving.

Freezing

To freeze Lebanese Lentil Soup, allow it to cool completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers.

Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat Lebanese Lentil Soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

Stir occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain desired consistency.

Adjust seasoning if needed.

Final Thoughts

Lebanese Lentil Soup is a wholesome and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Its blend of spices creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile.

The fresh lemon juice adds a revitalizing tanginess that balances the earthy taste of the lentils.

Garnishing with fresh parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of vibrancy.

This soup isn’t only nutritious but also filling, making it an ideal meal for those looking for a healthy option.

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and seasoning to suit your personal taste preferences.

Enjoy the warm, hearty goodness of Lebanese Lentil Soup, and savor each spoonful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Red Lentils Instead of Green Lentils?

You can substitute red lentils for green lentils, but expect a different texture and slightly sweeter flavor. Red lentils cook faster, so adjust simmer time to prevent overcooking. Monitor consistency closely, adding liquid as needed.

How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?

To intensify heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or red chili flakes during the sauté process. Adjust the quantity according to your tolerance. Guarantee even distribution by stirring thoroughly. Taste and modify spice levels before final seasoning.

Is This Soup Suitable for a Vegan Diet?

Yes, it’s suitable for a vegan diet. The recipe excludes animal-derived ingredients, using vegetable broth and plant-based components. Ascertain all seasonings are plant-origin. Adjust broth if needed, confirming it’s devoid of non-vegan additives.

Can I Substitute Lemon Juice With Lime Juice?

Certainly, you can substitute lime juice for lemon juice in this recipe. Lime juice will impart a slightly different citrus profile, offering a more tart, aromatic note. Guarantee precise measurement to maintain the soup’s desired acidity balance.

What Is the Nutritional Value of Lebanese Lentil Soup?

You’ll find that Lebanese lentil soup offers approximately 200 calories per serving, with high fiber content, around 12 grams of protein, and low fat. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and iron. Adjust ingredients for dietary needs.

hearty lebanese lentil soup

Lebanese Lentil Soup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Lebanese
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup green lentils rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 carrots diced
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and water to the pot.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot.
  • Cover and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir in the lemon juice before removing the pot from heat.
  • Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

To enhance the flavor of the soup, ensure you use fresh spices, and feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. If you find the soup too thick, you can add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Adding a drizzle of olive oil just before serving can also enrich the flavor.
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