Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup: The Best Cozy Comfort Food Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Rinse Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water thoroughly and set them aside to drain.
- 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.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Pour in the lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and cumin. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- 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.
- Finish with Lemon and Salt: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, taste, and season with salt as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- 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
