Description
Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian soup featuring red lentils, rice, and a blend of warming spices like cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Finished with fresh lemon juice, this healthy, hearty soup delivers a tangy brightness that’s perfect for a nutritious meal any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1/4 cup uncooked white rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground 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 thoroughly with the spices to build flavor.
- Incorporate Lentils and Rice: Add the rinsed red lentils, white rice, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir continuously for 3 to 5 minutes as the lentils and rice start to release moisture.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and rice are tender. Add extra broth as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Stir in fresh lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper seasoning to taste for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional): If desired, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy for a silky texture.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm, optionally accompanied by pita or crusty bread.
Notes
- Rinsing the lentils before cooking removes excess starch and reduces foaming.
- Adjust the amount of vegetable broth to achieve your preferred soup thickness.
- Blending the soup is optional but creates a creamier texture that many enjoy.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro as a garnish for extra flavor and color.
- This soup can be stored refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
