Middle Eastern Lentil Soup Recipe

Middle Eastern Lentil Soup is a warm, comforting dish made with red lentils, aromatic spices, and a hint of lemon. This nutritious, protein-packed soup is smooth, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal. Serve it with pita bread or a fresh salad for a complete experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
• Rich & Flavorful – Infused with aromatic cumin, turmeric, and coriander.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and one-pot preparation.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free – A wholesome meal suitable for various dietary needs.
• Customizable Texture – Blend for a creamy consistency or leave it chunky.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup red lentils (washed and drained)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 medium carrot (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 5 cups vegetable broth or water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Red chili flakes (optional, for spice)

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics:

1. Heat the Oil – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Onions – Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Garlic & Carrots – Stir in minced garlic and chopped carrots. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add Spices & Lentils:

4. Incorporate Spices – Add cumin, turmeric, coriander, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables with spices.
5. Add Lentils – Mix in the washed red lentils and stir to combine.

Simmer the Soup:

6. Pour in Broth – Add vegetable broth or water. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
7. Cook Until Soft – Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and tender.

Blend for Creaminess (Optional):

8. Blend Smooth – Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky for texture.

Finish & Serve:

9. Add Lemon & Season – Stir in lemon juice and adjust salt to taste.
10. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro and red chili flakes if desired. Serve warm with pita bread or a side salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili flakes for heat.
• Creamier Texture – Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream for richness.
• Extra Protein Boost – Add a handful of cooked chickpeas or quinoa.
• Smoky Flavor – Use smoked paprika instead of regular coriander for depth.
• Chunky Style – Skip blending and leave the lentils whole for a heartier texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in portioned containers. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a pot over low heat, adding a little water if needed to adjust consistency.

FAQs

Can I use green or brown lentils instead?

Yes, but they take longer to cook and will result in a slightly different texture.

How do I thicken the soup?

Blend part of the soup or let it simmer longer to naturally thicken.

Can I make this soup without blending?

Absolutely! Simply mash some of the lentils with a spoon for a chunkier texture.

What can I serve with this soup?

It pairs well with pita bread, a fresh salad, or a side of rice.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

What if my soup is too thick?

Add extra vegetable broth or water while reheating to thin it out.

Can I make this soup oil-free?

Yes, sauté the vegetables in a little water instead of olive oil.

How do I make this soup more filling?

Add cooked quinoa, rice, or small pasta for extra heartiness.

Can I substitute lemon juice with something else?

Try a splash of apple cider vinegar or lime juice for a similar tangy effect.

How do I enhance the flavor even more?

Roast the spices in the pan before adding the lentils for a deeper flavor.

Conclusion

This Middle Eastern Lentil Soup is a simple, comforting dish that’s packed with warmth and nutrition. Whether enjoyed as a light meal or paired with bread and salad, its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a delicious and satisfying choice. Try this easy recipe today for a wholesome, homemade soup full of vibrant spices!