Lebanese Brown Lentil Soup
This hearty Lebanese Lentil Soup is a comforting blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it's an ideal dish for home cooks looking to explore Lebanese cuisine.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside.
- 2
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 4
Add the diced carrot and potato to the pot, stirring for about 3 minutes.
- 5
Sprinkle in the cumin and coriander, mixing well to combine all the ingredients and to toast the spices for another minute.
- 6
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 7
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- 8
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well before serving.
Cook notes
Tips
For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup once done and return it to the pot.
Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preference.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months; just thaw before reheating.
Substitutions
- If you don’t have vegetable broth, use water with a bouillon cube for similar flavor.
- Red lentils can be substituted for green or brown lentils, but adjust the cooking time.
What to Serve With
- Fresh pita bread for dipping
- A simple salad of cucumber and tomato
- Rice pilaf as a side dish
Common Mistakes
- Not rinsing the lentils can lead to a gritty texture in the soup.
- Cooking the lentils for too long can make them mushy instead of tender.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use other types of lentils?
Yes, you can use red lentils, but they will cook faster and create a different texture.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this Lebanese Lentil Soup is entirely vegan and uses vegetable broth.
How can I thicken the soup?
You can blend a portion of the soup or add more potatoes to achieve a thicker consistency.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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