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Arabic Lentil Soup Recipe With Cumin

Arabic Lentil Soup With Cumin


  • Author: Jusmira Rayne
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Hearty, healthy Arabic Lentil Soup with Cumin. This easy, traditional, and vegan-friendly dish is packed with comforting flavors, perfect for a busy weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed (240 g)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (1.4 liters)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (410 g)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp turmeric (optional, for color and added health benefits)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics (5 mins): In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Lentils and Spices (1 min): Stir in the rinsed red lentils, ground cumin, and turmeric (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices and release their aromatic oils.
  3. Simmer to Perfection (25-30 mins): Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have broken down into a creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Season and Serve: Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend to your desired consistency. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges and parsley.

Notes

Dietary Adaptations: This soup is naturally gluten-free (ensure broth is GF) and vegan-friendly with vegetable broth. For extra greens, add a handful of fresh spinach or kale. For more protein, stir in cooked, shredded chicken or a plant-based alternative.

Substitutions & Upgrades: Add a chopped carrot or celery for more veggies and sweetness. Canned diced tomatoes work perfectly and are budget-friendly.

Time-Savers: Use pre-chopped onion and garlic. An immersion blender blends the soup directly in the pot, saving time.

Flavor Variations: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens flavors. Garnish with a swirl of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper for a mild kick, or fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Estimate: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values as it was not provided in the original article.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Arabic

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Arabic Lentil Soup With Cumin, lentil soup, cumin, vegan, gluten-free, healthy, easy, weeknight, plant-based, vegetarian