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–+ servings
Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup

Delightful Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup for Comforting Days

This Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup is a comforting, vegan, and gluten-free dish that combines earthy lentils with refreshing lemon flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Lebanese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitute with any neutral oil if preferred
  • 1 medium Onion Diced; shallots can be used for a sweeter alternative
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh garlic is recommended for the best taste
For the Aromatics
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Consider coriander as an alternative spice
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Fresh turmeric can be used if available
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika can enhance flavor significantly
For the Soup
  • 1 cup Red Lentils Substitute with brown or green lentils, adjusting cooking time
  • 1/2 cup Rice For a lower-carb alternative, use quinoa, bulgur, or cauliflower rice
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Adjust according to taste
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth Ensure it’s gluten-free if necessary
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice Lime juice can be an alternative

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat the Oil: Pour a splash of olive oil into a medium-sized Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 2 minutes until it shimmers lightly.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring to combine. Sauté for about 5 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.
  3. Add Spices: Stir in cumin, turmeric, and paprika, cooking for an additional minute to infuse flavor.
  4. Incorporate Lentils and Rice: Introduce red lentils, rice, salt, and pepper into the pot, mixing thoroughly. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Pour in Broth: Carefully pour in vegetable broth while stirring. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes.
  6. Adjust and Blend if Desired: If the soup is too thick, add more broth. For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup.
  7. Add Fresh Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls, optionally garnishing with herbs or olive oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 10gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Use red lentils for quick cooking; substitute with other lentils as needed. Adjust broth for consistency over time.

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