Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Lebanese Lentil Soup! This dish is a warm hug in a bowl, full of rich flavors and health benefits that make it a staple in my kitchen. Whenever I make it, I’m reminded of cozy evenings spent with friends and family, laughing and sharing stories over hearty bowls of this delicious soup. The best part? It’s not just tasty—it’s packed with nutrition! Each serving is loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a perfect choice for those looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor.
What I love most about this Lebanese Lentil Soup is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into something truly special. The earthy lentils, aromatic spices, and a splash of lemon juice create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s vegan and can be whipped up in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep! Trust me, once you try this soup, it will become your go-to recipe for nourishing comfort. Grab your pot, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Lebanese Lentil Soup
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
How to Prepare Lebanese Lentil Soup
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this delicious Lebanese Lentil Soup! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll feel like a rockstar in your kitchen. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, comforting bowl in no time.
Sautéing the Aromatics
First things first, grab your pot and place it over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and let it warm up. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion. You’ll want to sauté it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent—this is where the flavor begins! Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Oh, that aroma! It’s heavenly and sets the perfect stage for the rest of the soup.
Cooking the Lentils
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: the red lentils! Pour them into the pot, followed by the vegetable broth, cumin, and coriander. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. The lentils will soften beautifully, and you’ll see the soup thicken as it cooks.
Blending the Soup
After the lentils are tender and the flavors have mingled, it’s time for the fun part! Turn off the heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully ladle it into your blender (or use an immersion blender if you have one—much easier!). Blend until the soup is smooth and creamy. If you like a chunkier texture, you can blend just half of it and mix it back in. Just a tip: if you’re using a traditional blender, don’t fill it too full, or you’ll end up with a messy explosion! I usually blend in batches to avoid any mishaps.
Serving Suggestions
Once your soup is perfectly blended, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into warm bowls and give each a generous drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The lemon adds a bright pop that balances the earthy flavors beautifully. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top if you have them handy—parsley or cilantro works wonderfully! Serve it alongside some crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal that will warm your heart and soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Lebanese Lentil Soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal in a hurry.
- Health Benefits: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, this soup is not only delicious but also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of earthy lentils and aromatic spices creates a rich, satisfying flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Vegan Friendly: This recipe is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and those looking to incorporate more meatless meals into their diet.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The soup freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later—perfect for those days when you don’t feel like cooking!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Lebanese Lentil Soup turns out as amazing as it can be, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips that I swear by. These small adjustments can make a world of difference!
Adjusting the Spices
Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to suit your taste! If you like a little more heat, throw in some cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a deeper flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers. Just remember to remove it before blending! Taste the soup before serving and tweak the seasoning as needed. A dash more cumin or coriander can elevate the dish to new heights!
Storage Tips
This soup is fantastic for meal prep! After it cools completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you like to make a larger batch, it freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra touch, consider garnishing with a dollop of tahini or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts when serving. These add a wonderful creaminess and crunch that complements the soup perfectly. And if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some pomegranate molasses over the top for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory flavors. Wow, your family and friends will be impressed!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a delicious Lebanese Lentil Soup that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Lebanese Lentil Soup
When it comes to nourishing your body, this Lebanese Lentil Soup is a powerhouse! Each bowl is packed with goodness and, while the exact values can vary based on specific ingredients, here’s an estimate of what you can expect from a serving:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Vitamin A: 500 IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 3mg
This soup not only fills your belly but also provides a good balance of nutrients, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal. So, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a cozy dinner, you can feel good about indulging in this delicious dish!
FAQ About Lebanese Lentil Soup
I’ve gathered some common questions about Lebanese Lentil Soup that might help you out as you whip up this delightful dish. Let’s dive in!
Can I make Lebanese Lentil Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen and get better overnight. Just reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Is Lebanese Lentil Soup gluten-free?
You bet! This Lebanese Lentil Soup is naturally gluten-free, as it’s primarily made with lentils and vegetables. Just make sure your vegetable broth is also gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
Can I add vegetables to the soup?
Oh, definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Carrots, spinach, or even diced tomatoes can be great additions. Just chop them up and toss them in when you add the lentils. They’ll cook down beautifully in the broth!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Lebanese Lentil Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What can I serve with Lebanese Lentil Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even some warm pita. You can also serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch. Enjoy the warmth and comfort!
Equipment Needed
- Pot: A sturdy pot is essential for sautéing the aromatics and simmering the soup. I recommend a medium-sized pot that allows for even heat distribution, so everything cooks perfectly.
- Blender: A blender is needed to purée the soup until smooth. If you prefer, an immersion blender works great and makes cleanup a breeze! Just be sure to let the soup cool a bit before blending to avoid any splatters.
Having these two pieces of equipment on hand will make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable. Trust me, you’ll be glad you have them when you’re ready to whip up this delicious Lebanese Lentil Soup!
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
Lebanese Lentil Soup
Equipment
- Pot
- Blender
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 cup red lentils rinsed
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
For Serving
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- In a pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
- Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, and coriander. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Use a blender to purée the soup until smooth.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of lemon juice.