Middle Eastern Red Lentil Soup, also known as “Adas Soup,” is a delicious and comforting dish that’s popular in many Middle Eastern countries. Here’s a simple recipe for you to enjoy:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water and set aside. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic and Spices:
- Add minced garlic and continue sautéing for another minute until fragrant. Add ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and ground paprika. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices.
- Add Lentils and Broth:
- Add the red lentils to the pot and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend, and then return it to the pot.
- Season and Add Lemon Juice:
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir well.
- Adjust Consistency:
- If the soup is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water until you reach your desired thickness.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle with olive oil (optional) and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious Middle Eastern Red Lentil Soup with your favorite bread or on its own!
This soup is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber from the red lentils, making it a healthy and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
