Description
A vibrant and comforting Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. This hearty soup combines tender red lentils, fresh lemon juice, and warm Middle Eastern spices for a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic and Carrots: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped carrots, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to enhance their flavors.
- Incorporate Spices: Add ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Pour in the rinsed red lentils along with the vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and beginning to break down.
- Add Lemon Juice and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in fresh lemon juice then taste and adjust salt and lemon levels as desired for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Optional Blending: For a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- This soup thickens as it cools; add more broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
- It is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
- For added nutrition and color, stir in a handful of chopped spinach or Swiss chard near the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
