Description
A comforting and flavorful Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup featuring aromatic spices, tender red lentils, and a bright splash of fresh lemon juice. This hearty vegetarian soup is perfect for a wholesome meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Legumes and Grains
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
Liquids and Seasoning
- 4 cups vegetable broth (plus extra as needed)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, turmeric, and paprika, coating the onions and garlic evenly to release their flavors.
- Incorporate Lentils and Rice: Add the red lentils, white rice, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes as the lentils and rice begin to absorb moisture and blend with the spices.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and rice are tender. Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick for your preference.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Stir in fresh lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste, adding more lemon juice if desired for brightness.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional): Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot for a smoother, creamier texture if preferred.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm, ideally served with pita bread or a crusty bread of your choice.
Notes
- Red lentils cook quickly and tend to break down, giving the soup a natural creamy texture without adding cream.
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but note that it will require a longer cooking time.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference for tartness.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version; chicken broth can be used if preferred.
- The optional blending step creates a smooth soup but can be skipped for a chunkier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
