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Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe Easy Cozy Soup with Lemon and Cumin

Lebanese lentil soup - featured image

A simple, comforting Lebanese lentil soup featuring brown lentils, fresh lemon juice, and warm cumin for a cozy, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) brown lentils
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth or water
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic, ground cumin, and ground coriander (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
  4. Add rinsed lentils and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Partially cover with a lid and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice.
  6. Optional: Use an immersion blender to pulse a few times for a smoother texture, leaving some lentils whole for texture.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or pita.

Notes

Keep an eye on the liquid level during simmering and add more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick. Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its fresh, zesty flavor. Avoid overcooking cumin to prevent bitterness. Brown lentils hold their shape better; red lentils create a creamier soup and require shorter cooking time.

Nutrition

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