Heartwarming Lentil Soup Recipe
A simple, nourishing, and incredibly flavorful lentil soup, a staple in many Middle Eastern homes, perfect for sharing heartwarming moments with family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and turmeric. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are very tender and have broken down.
- Remove the pot from the heat. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired preference. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer batches to a regular blender (vent the lid!).
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Serve with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a vibrant finish. For added depth, you can sauté a diced carrot or celery stalk with the onion.