This lentil soup recipe is easy to make, creamy, flavorful, very satisfying, and packs a nutritious punch with nutrient-rich lentils.
Please don’t settle for a bland lentil soup when you can have a super flavorful, rich, and healthy lentil soup. In this post, I am going to show you exactly how YOU should be enjoying your lentil soup.
Lentil soup is a staple in the Middle East, where plant-based proteins have been a dietary necessity since ancient times.
In this blog post, you’ll learn why this soup is popular in the Middle East region, and how to make a delicious Middle Eastern lentil soup that’s bursting with the flavors of the region.
Why is lentil soup a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine?
Lentil soup has been a staple in many cuisines, particularly in the Middle East, for centuries. It is a popular soup all over the Middle East.
Its popularity in the region can be attributed to its versatility, affordability, health benefits, and the fact that lentils are a readily available and accessible ingredient for people coming from different backgrounds.
lentil soup is often enjoyed as a comforting and nourishing dish, particularly during the colder months. It is not only a delicious way to warm up but also a dish that brings people together around the Iftar table during the holy month of Ramadan.
Why lentil soup is healthy?
The health benefits of lentil soup are attributed to each ingredient in the soup. From the protein-packed lentils to the flavorful blend of vegetables, herbs, and spices, each component contributes to a well-rounded and nourishing soup.
Lentils, the star of this dish, despite their tiny size, offer numerous health benefits. Packed with plant-based protein, lentils are an excellent source of this essential nutrient, making them a popular choice, especially among vegans. Lentils are an excellent source of many other nutrients as well.
The blend of vegetables, herbs, and spices not only adds flavor and depth to this soup recipe, but also provides a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
If you love lentils in soups, and are looking for a more hearty and nourishing soup recipe, then you might want to try this lentil barley soup, a vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free recipe by Naturallie Plant-Based!
Recipe ingredients:
- Red lentils: they are also sold under the name of Masoor Dal.
- Onion.
- Garlic.
- Vegetable Bouillon Powder: Vegetable stock can be used instead of this, just omit the water if you use the stock.
- Gluten-Free Flour: use to thicken the soup and give it an extra creamy texture. You can use wheat flour instead.
- Olive oil.
- Salt and pepper.
- Not optional BUT rather essential: parsley and lemon
Spices & herbs:
Spices are crucial for preparing authentic Middle Eastern lentil soup. They add depth and complexity to the overall flavor.
- Tumeric powder.
- Cumin powder
- Paprika powder
- Dry mint powder
How to make creamy, dairy-free lentil soup?
To make this creamy and dairy-free delight, you’ll need to follow these simple steps.
- Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water and drain it well.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and garlic cloves, cooking until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Next, add the chopped carrots to the pot, stirring them around for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Sprinkle in the spices , salt and pepper, and sautee for 1 minute.
- Add the gluten-free flour and mix.
- Now it’s time to incorporate the star ingredient: lentils. Add them to the pot and mix.
- Dissolve the vegetable bouillon powder in 1 liter of boiled water then add it to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Turn the heat off and either transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to blend it into a creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, and add lemon juice and enjoy.
How to store leftover:
Any soup leftover can be stored in the fridge. It is important to let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an air-tight container. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To enjoy the leftover , heat it on the stove top, you can add a splash of water, as the soup tends to thicken in the fridge, add a squeeze of lemon and enjoy.
Recommended vegan recipes to try next:
If you are a soups person, then you will enjoy these Middle Eastern Vegan soup recipes such as the famous freekeh soup, harira soup, lentil and bean soup, roasted tomato soup, and this simple yet flavors-packed vegetable soup recipe.
Another healthy soup recipe you should try next is this Wonder Soup Diet by Nomss.com. It is the perfect soup recipe to keep you healthy and won’t compromise on taste!
If you make this Vegan Middle Eastern Lentil Soup, I’d love a comment, and to rate this recipe. Please make sure to tag me in re-creation on Instagram @veganbilaraby. I love to see your take on my vegan recipes 💚
Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils washed and drained
- 2 tbsp olive oli
- 1 onion small and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 carrot medium size , chopped
- 1 tbsp vegetable Bouillon powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp dry mint powder
- salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 tbsp gluten-free flour
- 1 lemon juiced
- parsley chopped for garnishing
- 1 liter water
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and garlic cloves, cooking until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add the chopped carrots to the pot, stirring them around for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Sprinkle in the spices, salt, and pepper, and saute for 1 minute.
- Add the gluten-free flour and mix.
- Add the lentils to the pot and mix.
- Dissolve the Vegetable bouillon powder in 1 liter of boiled water then add it to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Turn the heat off and either transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to blend it into a creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Garnish with chopped parsley, add lemon juice, and enjoy.
Raad says
My favorite soup❤️