Prepare yourself for a culinary journey with this delectable Moroccan Lentil Soup, a hearty dish infused with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients that will warm your soul on cold winter nights or serve as a satisfying meal any time of the year. With its vibrant blend of spices and nutritious legumes, this soup offers a tantalizing taste of Moroccan cuisine right in your own kitchen. Perfect for vegans, health-conscious individuals, and those seeking a dish bursting with flavor and nourishment, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans (white kidney beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatic Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
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Add Ingredients to Pot: To the pot, add water, red lentils, drained and rinsed chickpeas, drained and rinsed cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), chopped carrots, chopped celery, garam masala, ground cardamom, ground cayenne pepper, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the lentils are soft and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Feel free to simmer for longer if you prefer a thicker consistency and more intense flavor.
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Puree Soup: For a creamier texture, transfer half of the soup to a food processor or blender. Purée until smooth and then return the puréed mixture to the pot. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to partially purée the soup, leaving some texture.
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Serve and Enjoy: Give the soup a final stir, ladle it into bowls, and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, or a dollop of creamy yogurt if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Moroccan-inspired lentil soup.
Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner, a festive potluck gathering, or simply craving a nourishing meal to warm you up on a chilly evening, this Moroccan Lentil Soup is a versatile and satisfying option that’s bound to impress. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, it’s not only delicious but also incredibly wholesome, making it a win-win for both your taste buds and your well-being. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a bowl of flavorful goodness that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
