Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup, also known as Shorbat Adas, is a beloved dish in the Middle Eastern culinary tradition. It’s hearty, healthy, and brimming with vibrant flavors. Often enjoyed as a comforting starter or main dish, this soup beautifully combines the earthiness of lentils with the tangy freshness of lemon, making it not only nutritious but also refreshing and satisfying.
Lentils are a staple in Middle Eastern kitchens, valued for their versatility and high protein content. When paired with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon, they transform into a soup that’s both nourishing and flavorful. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the lentils to take center stage, absorbing all the vibrant flavors from the seasoning, creating a deep, rich taste that warms you from the inside out.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the full experience of making this dish-from understanding its key ingredients to expert tips on how to perfect it and explore variations to suit different tastes.
Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make this zesty, comforting soup, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need. Each of them plays a critical role in delivering the soup’s unique flavor profile.
- Red lentils (1 ½ cups): These are the star of the dish, offering a creamy texture when cooked and a mild flavor that complements the spices.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Adds depth and sweetness to the soup base.
- Carrot (1 medium, diced): Balances the soup with a touch of sweetness and color.
- Celery stalks (2, finely chopped): Brings a subtle, savory flavor to the soup.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Provides aromatic richness to the broth.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp): A warm, earthy spice that forms the foundation of the Middle Eastern flavor.
- Ground turmeric (½ tsp): This golden-hued spice adds color and a slightly bitter note, balancing the richness of the lentils.
- Ground coriander (½ tsp): A citrusy and slightly sweet spice that enhances the lemony freshness.
- Lemon juice (from 2 lemons): The defining ingredient that gives the soup its zesty brightness.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the soup and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Vegetable broth or water (6 cups): The base of the soup, providing the necessary liquid and flavor.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity of the lemon.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a little heat and spiciness to the dish.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a burst of green freshness and color when sprinkled on top before serving.
Cooking Instructions
Making this Lemon Lentil Soup is incredibly easy and straightforward. Here’s how to bring this comforting dish to life:
- Prepare the ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Set them aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the garlic and spices: Once the vegetables are ready, add the minced garlic, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or two until the spices become fragrant.
- Add the lentils and broth: Stir in the red lentils, followed by the vegetable broth (or water if you prefer). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and fully cooked.
- Blend the soup (optional): For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to purée the soup slightly, leaving some lentils intact for texture. If you prefer a chunky soup, feel free to skip this step.
- Add lemon juice and seasoning: Once the lentils are tender, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with a slice of warm bread or a drizzle of olive oil.
Ingredient Insights
The magic of this soup lies in its ingredients, each chosen not only for flavor but also for the health benefits they provide. Let’s dive into some of the key elements:
- Red lentils: These are not just the base of the soup-they’re an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron. Red lentils cook quickly and break down into a soft, mushy texture, making them perfect for soups and stews.
- Lemon: The fresh tang of lemon juice not only adds brightness to the soup but also provides vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and acts as an antioxidant.
- Cumin: A signature spice in Middle Eastern cuisine, cumin offers a deep, earthy flavor that pairs well with both savory and tangy components. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Turmeric: Known for its vibrant color and anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric also adds a subtle bitterness that balances the soup’s richness.
- Coriander: This spice brings a hint of citrusy sweetness that complements the lemon, making it the perfect addition to the soup.
Expert Tips
To elevate your Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup, consider these expert tips:
- Simmering time: Don’t rush the cooking time for the lentils. Let them simmer long enough to fully absorb the flavors of the broth and spices.
- Lemon variation: For a slightly different twist, try adding a little lemon zest in addition to the juice. This will give the soup an extra burst of lemony fragrance.
- Add greens: For added nutrition and a pop of color, you can toss in some spinach, kale, or Swiss chard in the last few minutes of cooking. These leafy greens will add texture and additional vitamins to the soup.
- Serve with sides: While this soup is perfect on its own, serving it with pita bread or a slice of crusty baguette for dipping adds a nice touch.
- Make ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe Variations
As with any dish, there are numerous ways to adjust this Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs:
- Meat version: For a heartier version, you can add shredded chicken or lamb to the soup. Simply sauté the meat along with the vegetables and proceed as usual.
- Spicy twist: Add a diced green chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you enjoy a little heat in your soup.
- Coconut milk: If you’re looking for a creamy version, you can add a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking to give the soup a rich, silky texture.
- Vegan variation: This recipe is naturally vegan, but you can enhance the richness with a dollop of tahini when serving, which adds a creamy, nutty flavor.
Final Words
Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup is more than just a meal-it’s an experience. The combination of warm, earthy lentils, fragrant spices, and zesty lemon creates a balance of flavors that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing lunch, a starter for dinner, or simply a way to warm up on a chilly evening, this soup delivers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with every ingredient coming together harmoniously to create something truly special.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In A Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup?
The main ingredients in a Middle Eastern lemon lentil soup include red lentils, onions, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vegetable broth or water, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a garnish of fresh parsley or cilantro.
Can I Make Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup Vegan?
Yes, Middle Eastern lemon lentil soup is naturally vegan. To ensure it remains vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any dairy garnishes like yogurt or cream.
How Do I Prepare The Lentils For Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup?
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. There is no need to soak them, as they cook quickly. Just add them directly to the pot with the other ingredients.
What Spices Are Used In Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup?
Common spices used in this soup include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and sometimes cinnamon or paprika. These spices give the soup its warm, earthy flavor characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Can I Use Other Types Of Lentils For This Soup?
While red lentils are typically used for their quick cooking time and ability to break down into a smooth texture, you can substitute them with other lentils like green or brown. However, they will take longer to cook and won’t yield the same smooth consistency.
How Can I Adjust The Lemon Flavor In The Soup?
The lemon flavor can be adjusted by adding more or less lemon juice according to your taste. You can also add lemon zest for a more intense lemon flavor.
Is Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup Spicy?
No, this soup is not typically spicy. The spices used (cumin, coriander, turmeric) provide warmth and depth of flavor, but it is not intended to be hot or spicy. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add chili flakes or a small amount of cayenne pepper.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup?
The cooking time for this soup is relatively short. It typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish, including the time it takes for the lentils to cook and the flavors to meld together.
What Can I Serve With Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup?
Middle Eastern lemon lentil soup pairs well with flatbread, pita, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with a side of rice or some grilled vegetables for a more substantial meal.
Can I Freeze Middle Eastern Lemon Lentil Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little water or broth to reach the desired consistency.