Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe

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Imagine a chilly winter evening, and you are nestled in the warmth of your home, with a cozy blanket draped around you. What could make this scene even more perfect? A steaming bowl of Lebanese Lentil Soup, of course!

Lebanese cuisine is known for its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, and the Lebanese Lentil Soup is no exception. It’s a hearty, nutritious, and incredibly delicious soup that has been cherished for generations.

Getting Started

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe:

  • 1 cup of green or brown lentils
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 6 cups of vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Preparing the Lentils

The first step in making the perfect Lebanese Lentil Soup is preparing the lentils. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water.
  2. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they become tender and aromatic.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
  5. Add the cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
  6. Now, add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot.
  7. Toss in the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes or until the lentils are soft and cooked through.

Blending to Perfection

Once the lentils are tender, it’s time to create that velvety smooth texture that makes Lebanese Lentil Soup so delightful.

  1. Remove the bay leaves from the pot.
  2. Use an immersion blender to carefully puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but be sure to allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.
  3. Return the blended soup to the pot and heat it over low heat. Add more broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Serving and Garnishing

Your Lebanese Lentil Soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

More Recipes

Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe

Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe is a true gem of Lebanese cuisine. It's a soul-warming, hearty, and flavorful dish that's both simple to make and deeply satisfying to enjoy.

  • 1 cup of green or brown lentils
  • 1 large onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 carrots (diced)
  • 2 celery stalks (chopped)
  • 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 6 cups of vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing
  1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water.
  2. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they become tender and aromatic.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
  5. Add the cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
  6. Now, add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot.
  7. Toss in the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes or until the lentils are soft and cooked through.
  9. Remove the bay leaves from the pot.
  10. Use an immersion blender to carefully puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but be sure to allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.
  11. Return the blended soup to the pot and heat it over low heat. Add more broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.
  12. Your Lebanese Lentil Soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Soup
Middle Eastern
lentil soup

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown lentils?

While red lentils can be used, they tend to break down more during cooking, resulting in a slightly different texture.

Is Lebanese Lentil Soup suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Absolutely! This soup is entirely plant-based and perfect for vegetarians and vegans.

Can I freeze Lebanese Lentil Soup?

Yes, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to three months.

What should I serve with Lebanese Lentil Soup?

It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

How can I make the soup spicier?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some extra heat.

Can I use canned lentils to save time?

While it’s possible, using dried lentils provides a richer flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe is a true gem of Lebanese cuisine. It’s a soul-warming, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s both simple to make and deeply satisfying to enjoy.

By following our step-by-step guide, you can bring the taste of Lebanon to your home and create memorable meals for yourself and your loved ones.

So, why wait? Start cooking and savor the goodness of Lebanese Lentil Soup today!

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