Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup: The Best Cozy Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup is a warm and comforting dish that combines hearty lentils with the bright tang of fresh lemon. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for cozy evenings and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside.
2. Step 2: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery until they are soft and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and cumin to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. Step 5: Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Step 6: Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley and enjoy your cozy Lebanese lentil soup.

Tips & Variations

• Add a pinch of paprika or coriander to deepen the flavor profile of the soup.
• For a smoother texture, blend the soup lightly with an immersion blender before adding the lemon juice.
• Serve with warm pita bread for a more filling meal.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green lentils?

Yes, red lentils cook faster and will give the soup a creamier texture, but they break down more completely, so the soup will be less chunky.

Is this soup suitable for vegans?

Absolutely. The recipe uses vegetable broth and contains no animal products, making it a perfect vegan-friendly meal.

Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup: The Best Cozy Comfort Food Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 106 reviews

This Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish, perfect for cozy days. Featuring tender lentils simmered with aromatic vegetables, cumin, and zesty lemon juice, it’s a vibrant blend of flavors that’s both hearty and light. Whether you prefer it chunky or smooth, this soup offers a delicious taste of Middle Eastern home cooking that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Lebanese
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

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Soup Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water thoroughly and set them aside to drain.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Lentils and Broth: Pour in the lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and cumin. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
5. Finish with Lemon and Salt: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, taste, and season with salt as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, blend for a creamy texture or serve as is for a chunkier consistency.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or coriander during the sauté step.
• The soup can be blended with an immersion blender for a smoother, creamier texture.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce some broth or simmer longer to your desired consistency.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preferred tartness level.

Keywords: Lebanese, Lemon, Lentil, Soup, Comfort Food, Vegan, Healthy, Middle Eastern