Lentil soup recipe with kofta - Iraqifoodkitchen English

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey reduces fat content while maintaining flavor.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade broth enhances flavor and nutrition.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers a healthier fat profile.

parsley

🥗Healthier: spinach

💰Cheaper: cabbage

Spinach adds nutrients while being cost-effective.

Rinse lentils under cold water and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add diced carrots and celery, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Add lentils, cumin, coriander, and paprika; reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.

In a bowl, combine ground beef, chopped parsley, cumin, and salt to make kofta mixture.

Form the kofta into small balls or patties.

In a separate skillet, heat oil over medium heat and cook kofta until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Once lentils are cooked, stir in diced tomatoes and lemon juice.

Add the kofta to the soup and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: