Iraqi Traditional Lentil Soup

lentils

🥗Healthier: split peas

💰Cheaper: dried beans

Split peas are often more nutritious and dried beans can be less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits while canola oil is budget-friendly.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade stock

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade stock is healthier, while using water with seasoning is economical.

parsley

🥗Healthier: cilantro

💰Cheaper: spinach

Cilantro adds freshness, and spinach is a cost-effective green.

Rinse lentils under cold water until water runs clear.

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

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

Stir in minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

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

Mix in diced tomato, cumin, coriander, and turmeric; cook for 2 minutes.

Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Add lentils and reduce heat to a simmer; cook for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.

Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches.

Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Dietary