Description
A comforting and flavorful Middle Eastern Lentil Soup made with red split lentils, aromatic spices, and fresh lemon. This nutritious, hearty soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop, perfect for a wholesome meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Lentil Soup Ingredients
- 2 cups red split lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups water
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of parsley, finely chopped
- 4 lemon wedges (for serving)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (more to taste, if desired)
Instructions
- Rinse the Lentils: Thoroughly rinse the red split lentils under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities, then drain them well.
- Sauté the Onion: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the turmeric, salt, and ground black pepper to the softened onions. Stir to coat the onions and gently heat the spices for about one minute to release their flavors.
- Cook the Lentils: Add the drained lentils to the pot, stirring them with the spiced onion mixture for one minute to combine flavors. Pour in 6 cups of water, then bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the soup cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add more water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat, sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the soup, and ladle into bowls. Serve each bowl with a lemon wedge on the side. Squeeze the lemon juice into the soup just before eating to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference for a more tangy soup.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend part or all of the soup before serving.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding a pinch of ground cumin or coriander can add extra Middle Eastern authenticity if desired.
