Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe (2024)

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This delicious, slightly spicy Lebanese lentil soup recipe (Shorbat Adas) is a supreme example of how to turn inexpensive ingredients into a fabulous healthy meal.

It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and packed with plant-based protein.

Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe (1)

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This Arabic lentil soup is one of our favorite red lentil recipes, definitely a terrific weekly staple. We love it because it’s deliciously thick, warming, and a breeze to make with just a handful of cupboard essentials.

Best part, it takes one pot and comes together in about 30 minutes!

This super easy recipe uses turmeric and cumin to add subtle spicy notes, while the bright lemon juice and coriander bring freshness and balance out the cumin flavor.

But the spicy flavor is delicate and delicious, not overwhelming.

Added bonus? Not only is this soup full of plant-based protein, but the combination of turmeric and black pepper provides great health benefits and anti-inflammatory effects.

You need just a littleblack pepper to magnify the amazing antioxidant benefits of turmeric and to turn this lentil soup into a powerhouse meal.

Economical, full of flavor, and super healthy, you’ll fall in love with this Lebanese red lentil soup recipe!

Double the recipe, serve with stovetop croutons, pita bread or crusty panini rolls for dunking, and freeze the leftovers for busy weeknights.

List of the ingredients

  • Red lentils
  • Carrots
  • Potatoes
  • Onion & Garlic
  • Cumin, turmeric
  • Cilantro or parsley
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • Broth
  • Lemon juice
Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe (2)

How to make Lebanese Lentil Soup

(Note: this is aquick description,the full recipe is at the bottom of the page)

  • Sauté onion in olive oil until soft.
  • Stir in garlic and spices.
  • Add lentils, carrots, potatoes, broth, salt and pepper.
Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe (3)
  • Cook for about 20 minutes until the lentils are done.
  • Serve with chopped coriander and fresh lemon juice. Enjoy.
Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe (4)

Recipe notes

Lebanese lentil soup ingredients

Extra virgin olive oil or olive oil: classic base for any Mediterranean and Middle Eastern soup recipes.

Onion and garlic: they’re essentials ingredients and are sautéed in the olive oil.

Red lentils: they’re one of the best pantry staples, so easy to work with, they require no fuss or overnight soaking. And they are great to add nutrition to your diet.

Turmeric: it works as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spice and gives a golden hue and earthy flavor foundation.

Ground cumin: its deep flavor and slight bitterness pair well with sweet lentils.

Carrots and potatoes: they add body and extra nutrition to the soup. You’re welcome to add also a diced celery stick if you wish.

Broth: I prefer low-sodium vegetable broth, but you’re welcome to use chicken broth, just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Salt & pepper: to enhance the overall flavor. I use about 3/4 or 1 scant teaspoon of fine salt, but you might need less if you use a broth that is quite salty.

Fresh parsley or cilantro (aka coriander in the UK): for freshness.

Lemon juice: we use about half lemon juice to serve. The citrus will elevate the flavor and bring some brightness to this warm and comforting soup.

Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe (5)

How to store this soup?

If you cook a big batch and have soup leftovers, you can freeze them for 1 month or you can refrigerate them for 3-4 days.

  • Freezer: divide leftovers into single serving containers, cool them down in the refrigerator, and thenfreeze.
  • Fridge: let the leftover soup cool down and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The soup will absorb all the liquid as it sits and to reheat, add a touch of water until it’s thinned to the desired consistency, then gently reheat the it on the stove or in a microwave.

More lentil soup recipes

If you love lentils please check out this collection of 35+ delicious lentil recipes, and if you look for more lentil soup ideas, I’ve pulled together my favs:

  • Lentil kale soup
  • Vegan lentil soup
  • Sweet potato lentil soup
  • Spicy tomato lentil soup
  • Italian pasta with lentils
  • Red lentil pasta recipe
  • Green lentil soup
  • Swiss chard lentil soup

And for more vegan soups, check out this NEW roundup

If you make this terrific Lebanese lentil soup recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it or tag a photo #theclevermeal on Instagram.

I would love to hear from you! x

Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe (6)

Print Recipe

Lebanese Lentil soup

This is a warming and spicy red lentil soup loaded with amazing flavor, nutrients and with a thick and comforting texture, just made for dunking in crusty bread!

Recipe yields 5 cups of soup in total (approx 1 ¼ cup per serving).

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Middle East, vegan, vegetarian

Keyword: Lebanese lentil soup

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 381kcal

Author: Katia

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 cup (130 grams) carrots, diced
  • 1 cup (130 grams) potatoes, diced
  • 1 ½ cup (270 grams) red lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 5 cups (1.2 liter) vegetable broth or hot water*
  • ¾ – 1 teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • ½ lemon, juice
  • 1 handful cilantro or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • In a large pot heat gently the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion starts to soften.

  • Add cumin, turmeric, garlic, and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

  • Then add lentils, carrots, potatoes, and give a good stir.

  • Add the broth, salt, and pepper and bring to the boil*.

  • Reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Remove the pot from the heat, check the seasoning and the consistency (you might like a thicker or a thinner soup, so you can add or reduce the amount of liquid – see notes)*.

  • Optional step: using an immersione blender you can puree the soup until it's smooth and creamy if you wish.

  • Serve with chopped parsley or coriander, a pinch of paprika if you like and freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste*.

Notes

.

  • Seasoning: If you use a vegetable or chicken broth that tastes quite salty on its own, it’s important toadjust the seasoning at the end and not at the beginning as you never really know how strong the salt from the broth is.
    In this case, I wouldstart only with a good pinch of salt, no more than that.
  • Lemon:dd a little lemon juice at a time and see which level of acidity fits your taste.
  • Leftover: it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. t’s also freezable: divide among airtight containers (leaving 1-inch space at the top), and freeze up to 1 month.
  • Texture: This red lentil soup is quite thick. If you prefer a thinner consistency, just slowly add more broth until you’re happy with it. Otherwise, water it down a little bit and add more spices.
  • Nutrition facts:the nutrition values are for one portion and are basedon an online nutrition calculator. It’s an estimate only and it should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. Please see my disclosure policies.

Nutrition

Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 963mg | Fiber: 26g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 8386IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 7mg

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Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Lebanese lentil soup made of? ›

It's traditionally made with red lentils, onions, cumin, and lemon juice. But my mom always added short-grain rice and carrots to her lentil soup recipe to make it hearty and colorful, so that's what I started doing.

Should lentils be soaked before making soup? ›

The other good news: Lentils don't need to soak as beans do (though you do need to sort and rinse them before cooking). Different types of lentils cook in different amounts of time. Red lentils are the fastest cooking and they dissolve as they cook and make for a smooth soup.

Can you overcook lentil soup? ›

Yes, you can overcook lentils; they will become mushy. Much depends on the type of lentil you're using. Some cook quicker and hold their shape better than others. To avoid overcooking them, always follow the cooking directions in your recipe and use the type of lentils called for in the ingredient list.

What is Moroccan lentil soup made of? ›

Moroccan lentil soup is the perfect recipe to discover the aromatic flavors and heartwarming essence of Moroccan cuisine. Earthy lentils are simmered in a flavorful broth with tomato and spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a perfect balance of warmth and depth.

Is lentil soup really good for you? ›

This nutritious, well-balanced soup counts as a meal if you enjoy a generous portion. Lentils are rich in protein, fiber, iron and folate. Lentil soup packs well for lunch in a leak-proof container, and it tastes even better the next day.

Is lentil soup OK for kidneys? ›

Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based kidney friendly protein, rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Whether used in a soup, salad, or main dish, lentils are a hearty, healthy addition to any meal. Buy lentils in dried, canned, or frozen forms.

Why did my lentil soup turn brown? ›

the color change you've observed is from oxidation. If you want to prevent this, lay some plastic wrap over the surface of your lentils to prevent air from getting to them, or add some acid, like lime juice, to the recipe.

What happens if you don't pre soak lentils? ›

Well, as healthy as they are, lentils are also known to cause some tummy issues like bloating and flatulence to be more specific. The presence of anti-nutrient compounds in lentils is the culprit behind gas or flatulence. The good news is that anti-nutrient in lentils can be easily deactivated by soaking them in water.

Which lentils are healthiest? ›

Urad dal or black lentil is one of the most nutritious pulses known to mankind. Low in fat and calories, Urad dal helps to improve digestion. With it being a rich source of protein and vitamin B3, it makes our bones stronger and is said to boost energy levels, enhance heart health and strengthen our nervous system.

What makes lentils taste better? ›

I toss them with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes to make a nutritious side dish or base for plant-based bowls.

Is too much lentil soup bad for you? ›

Lentils are frequently cooked with strong spices, which can cause indigestion in some people. Lentils are a good source of potassium, however, too many lentils in the diet can cause hyperkalemia (symptoms may include vomiting, fatigue, irregular heartbeat and difficulty breathing) in people with poor kidney function.

Is it OK to leave lentil soup out overnight? ›

Food should not be at room temperature for more than two hours. Shallow containers or small amounts of hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator or rapidly chilled in an ice or cold water bath before refrigerating. Cover foods to retain moisture and prevent them from picking up odors from other foods.

What is the white foam on lentil soup? ›

That means the foam will typically appear when making meat-based broths and, to a lesser degree, soups made from high-protein vegetables such as chickpeas and lentils. When those coagulated proteins cluster together, they can create air pockets, which is what causes the “sudsy bubbles,” says Trout.

Why do Mexicans eat lentils? ›

Widely consumed throughout the Mediterranean region, lentils were standard fare for the Spaniards, who brought them to the New World, where they became a staple of the Mexican diet. They became a staple crop, too.

How do you make Jamie Oliver lentil soup? ›

Heat the oil in a large pan on a medium heat, add the garlic, carrots and bouillon powder (see below), then fry gently for 5 minutes, or until softened, stirring regularly. Add the lentils, then pour in 1 litre of water and bring to the boil, stirring occasionally.

What is lentil soup made of? ›

Made with dried lentils, fresh vegetables, flavorful spices, and hearty greens, it's simple, nourishing, and delicious. This lentil soup recipe might surprise you. Sure, it's simple. But that doesn't mean it's bland or boring.

What ethnicity is lentil soup? ›

This classic Middle Eastern lentil soup is also known as shorabet adas. It is incredible how a few simple ingredients make such a phenomenal dish. This soup is vegan, naturally gluten-free, and super easy to prepare.

What is Amala soup made of? ›

It is made of yam, cassava flour, or unripe plantain flour. Tubers of yams are peeled, sliced, cleaned, dried and then ground into flour. It is also called èlùbọ́. Yams are white in colour but turn brown when dried which gives àmàlà its colour.

What the heck is a lentil? ›

The lentil (Vicia lens or Lens culinaris) is an edible legume. It is an annual plant known for its lens-shaped seeds. It is about 40 cm (16 in) tall, and the seeds grow in pods, usually with two seeds in each.

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