North African Lentil Soup Recipe
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: North African
- Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Lentil, Beans, African, Vegan, Kid Friendly, Winter, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Description:
This North African Lentil Soup is perfect for a light supper or a cozy weeknight dinner. Pair it with a crusty baguette spread with roasted garlic, a fresh tossed salad with wild baby greens, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying meal. The recipe yields a generous portion, making it ideal for leftovers, which freeze beautifully for future meals. With its hearty ingredients and aromatic spices, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 onions, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 celery rib, diced
- 1 turnip, diced
- 1 tomato with juice, diced
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rinse lentils several times in cold water, then set aside to drain. |
| 2 | In a large saucepan, heat garlic in olive oil over medium heat, being careful not to scorch the garlic. |
| 3 | Add diced onions and saffron threads, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender. If onions start to stick, add a few drops of water. |
| 4 | Stir in diced carrots, celery, and turnip, and cook for about 10 minutes over low heat, allowing the vegetables to soften. |
| 5 | Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with juice, and chopped parsley to the saucepan. |
| 6 | Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper. |
| 7 | Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the broth is slightly thickened. |
| 8 | Just before serving, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor. |
| 9 | Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with your favorite crusty bread or alongside a fresh salad. Enjoy! |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 116
- Total Fat: 1.9g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 89.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.9g
- Sugars: 4.8g
- Protein: 5.3g
Notes:
- For a heartier version, you can add diced potatoes or other vegetables of your choice.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Cumin, coriander, or paprika would all be great additions.
- Feel free to garnish each bowl with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness and flavor.
