Lentil Soup
- theegyptiancook
- Mar 10, 2024
- 2 min read
Lentil soup is a warm, comforting, and nutritious dish that is popular in Egyptian culture and enjoyed across the Middle East. This vegan recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome meal for any time of the year. It is especially favored during the month of Ramadan, as it provides a nourishing way to break your fast, replenishing energy while being gentle on the stomach. With its rich flavor and hearty texture, lentil soup is a satisfying and healthy choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
(Seasonings should be added to taste.)
4-6 carrots
1 yellow onion
2 tomatoes
1 ½ cups red lentils
6 cups water
ground cumin
ground turmeric
sea salt
black pepper
1 cup orzo (optional)
fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Vegetables
Start by preparing the vegetables for the lentil soup. Wash the carrots and tomatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Trim off the ends of the carrots, then peel them. Next, remove the stem and pit from the tomatoes. Peel the onion and roughly chop both the carrots and onion into chunks to ensure even cooking.
Cooking the Lentils and Vegetables
Once the vegetables are prepared, transfer them to a large pot. Add the red lentils and enough water to fully cover the ingredients. Place the lid on the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and keep the lid partially covered to prevent the mixture from bubbling over. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender and the red lentils have softened.
Blending for a Smoother Texture
For a creamy and smooth lentil soup, transfer all the ingredients to a blender. Season with ground cumin, ground turmeric, sea salt, and black pepper before blending until smooth. Once blended, return the soup to the pot.
If you prefer a soup with more texture, skip adding the red lentils to the blender—they will naturally mash as you stir. An immersion blender can also be used directly in the pot for a semi-smooth consistency.
Enhancing the Lentil Soup with Orzo (Optional)
For an extra hearty version, consider adding orzo to the soup. After transferring the blended soup back to the pot, stir in dry orzo along with about 1 ½ cups of water. Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sinking to the bottom or clumping together. The orzo will take around 10 minutes to cook. Keep in mind that when first added, the orzo may seem to disappear—avoid adding more and trust the process, as it will expand while cooking.
Serving and Final Touches
Once the lentil soup is ready, serve it warm with fresh lemon slices. Squeeze lemon juice into your bowl as desired for added brightness and flavor. Enjoy your delicious and comforting lentil soup!
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