Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe
A warm and comforting Lebanese Lentil Soup that’s both nutritious and flavorful, perfect for a wholesome meal. This soup features red lentils simmered with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness, finished with fresh parsley garnish.
- Author: Tim
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegan
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
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- Heat the Pot: Set a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. This will be the base for sautéing the vegetables and releasing their flavors.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and chopped carrot to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. Then add minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin and turmeric, cooking for 30 seconds. This step helps to release the aromatic oils and enhance the flavor.
- Cook Lentils: Add the rinsed red lentils and the vegetable broth or water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the lentils are soft and cooked through.
- Season and Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting it to your liking.
- Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup partially or fully according to your preferred texture, whether you like it chunkier or smooth.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with lemon slices and extra chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and spices according to your taste preference.
- For a creamier texture, blend the soup fully; for more texture, blend partially.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad to make a complete meal.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Keywords: Lebanese lentil soup, red lentil soup, vegan soup, Middle Eastern soup, healthy lentil recipe, easy lentil soup