Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe
A hearty and comforting Lebanese Lentil Soup bursting with warm spices, tender red lentils, and fresh lemon juice. This simple, nutritious soup is perfect for a cozy meal and can be enjoyed partially blended for texture or fully smooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 5 cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté vegetables: Set a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and carrot for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to develop flavor.
- Add spices: Stir in the ground cumin and turmeric, cooking for 30 seconds to release their aromatic oils and deepen the soup’s flavor profile.
- Cook lentils: Add the rinsed red lentils and pour in the vegetable broth or water. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer soup: Lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, until the lentils become soft and tender, absorbing the spices and flavors.
- Finish with lemon and parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness and freshness. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as desired.
- Blend to preference: Use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup depending on your preferred texture, whether creamy or with some lentil pieces intact.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with lemon slices and additional parsley if desired, enhancing visual appeal and adding a citrus touch.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth instead of water.
- Red lentils cook faster and break down more easily, creating a creamy texture without needing much blending.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if preferred.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- To make this soup vegan, ensure the vegetable broth is free from animal products.
Keywords: Lebanese Lentil Soup, Lentil Soup, Vegan Soup, Middle Eastern Soup, Healthy Lentil Recipe, Spiced Lentil Soup
Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/lebanese-lentil-soup-recipe/
