The Most Popular Soup of the Middle East - Lentil Soup (Shorbat Adas)

lentils

🥗Healthier: green lentils

💰Cheaper: split peas

Green lentils are nutrient-dense, while split peas are often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil provides healthy fats, while canola oil is more budget-friendly.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water

Homemade broth is healthier, while water is a cost-effective base.

lemon juice

🥗Healthier: lime juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lime juice adds a similar acidity, while vinegar is often cheaper.

Prepare the vegetables: peel and crush ginger, peel and chop onion, dice carrots.

Wash lentils in a large bowl, fill with water, drain, and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add ginger to the oil and sauté for 30 seconds.

Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Add diced carrots and fry for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.

Add lentils, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the saucepan; stir well.

Add hot water from the kettle and a stock cube; adjust water amount for desired soup thickness.

Once water is bubbling, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes until lentils are tender.

Turn off the stove and blend the soup to a smooth consistency using an immersion blender.

Serve in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley or fried pita chips, and with fresh lemon on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary