Description
This comforting Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup combines aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and paprika with hearty red lentils and rice in a savory vegetable broth. The bright lemon juice adds a refreshing tang that makes this soup both nourishing and flavorful, perfect for a wholesome meal any time of year.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ cups dried red lentils
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- Juice of one large lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a medium-sized dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the hot oil and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, turmeric, and paprika, coating the onion and garlic evenly with the spices and oil to release their flavors.
- Add Lentils, Rice and Season: Mix in the red lentils, white rice, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated in the spiced oil. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the lentils and rice start to sweat, enhancing their flavor.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 4 cups of the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the lentils and rice are tender.
- Adjust Liquid: Stir occasionally during simmering and add the remaining vegetable broth if necessary to maintain desired consistency.
- Add Lemon Juice and Season: Stir in the juice of one large lemon, then taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
- Blend Soup: Remove the pot from heat and use a hand blender to blend the soup to your desired texture, either smooth or slightly chunky.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve with pita bread or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend the soup fully; for more texture, blend partially.
- Adjust the spices to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger flavor.
- This soup freezes well - store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Add chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top before serving for extra brightness.
- Use vegetable broth or any other preferred broth for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
