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Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe 🥣
Overview:
This Lebanese Lentil Soup is a delightful blend of flavors from the heart of Southwest Asia, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering with friends. Bursting with healthy ingredients like lentils, spinach, and potatoes, this vegan-friendly soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. With just a little prep and some patience as it simmers, you’ll have a hearty and comforting soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 144.4 per serving
- Fat Content: 0.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 774.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 28.7g
- Fiber Content: 7.9g
- Sugar Content: 3.7g
- Protein Content: 8.4g
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 12 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus 3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 1/2 cups lentils
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 12 cups water
- 1 cup frozen spinach
- 2 potatoes, diced
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
-
Prepare Cilantro Paste:
- Place cilantro in a food processor along with garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Process until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Set aside for later use.
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Sauté Onions:
- In a large pot, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn light brown.
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Cook Lentils:
- Stir in lentils and cook for a few minutes until they are well combined with the onions.
- Add cinnamon and pour in water. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Add Vegetables and Cilantro Paste:
- Once the lentils are tender and creamy, reduce the heat to medium.
- Stir in the remaining salt, frozen spinach, diced potatoes, and the prepared cilantro paste.
- Continue to cook, uncovered, on low heat until the lentils reach your desired creamy consistency.
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Finish with Lemon Juice:
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the soup and stir well.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the hot Lebanese Lentil Soup into bowls.
- This versatile soup can be enjoyed hot, warm, or even cold, making it perfect for any season or preference.
- Garnish with additional cilantro leaves or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Cooking Time Breakdown:
Step | Time |
---|---|
Prep | 10 minutes |
Sauté Onions | – |
Cook Lentils | 45 minutes |
Add Vegetables and Cilantro Paste | – |
Finish with Lemon Juice | 10 minutes |
Total Cooking Time | 1 hour 40 minutes |
Tips:
- For a creamier texture, you can partially blend the soup using an immersion blender before adding the lemon juice.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more salt or lemon juice if needed.
- This soup can be made in advance and reheated before serving, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
- Serve with warm crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.