Lebanese Lentil Soup
Lebanese Lentil Soup Recipe - Authentic Taste of Lebanon
Introduction
Lebanese Lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day. This soup is packed with protein and fiber from the lentils, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals from the fresh cilantro, garlic, and spinach. The addition of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor to the soup.
History
Lebanese Lentil Soup has been a staple in Lebanese cuisine for centuries. Lentils have long been a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking due to their versatility and nutritional benefits. This soup is often served as a comforting and nourishing meal during the winter months.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Place the cilantro, garlic, 3 tbsp of olive oil, and 0.5 tsp of salt in a food processor.
- Process the mixture until a paste forms.
- Set the mixture aside.
- Sauté the onions in 0.25 cups of olive oil until they turn light brown.
- Add the lentils and the cilantro paste mixture.
- Cook on medium heat for a few minutes.
- Add the cinnamon and water.
- Turn the heat to medium-high and cook, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn the heat to medium, add the remaining salt, spinach, potatoes, and cilantro paste.
- Continue cooking, uncovered, on low heat until the lentils become creamy.
- Add the lemon juice and continue cooking, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
- This soup can be served cold, warm, or hot.
Variations
- Add diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to wash and drain the lentils before adding them to the soup to remove any debris.
- Sautéing the onions until they turn light brown will add a rich flavor to the soup.
- Cooking the lentils uncovered allows them to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients and become creamy.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lebanese Lentil Soup with a side of warm pita bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Sautéing the onions until they turn light brown will add depth of flavor to the soup.
- Cooking the lentils uncovered allows them to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients and become creamy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach.
- Substitute red lentils for green lentils if desired.
Make Ahead Tips
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the Lebanese Lentil Soup with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve the Lebanese Lentil Soup with a side of tabbouleh salad or hummus for a complete Middle Eastern meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
- Approximately 300 calories per serving
Carbohydrates
- Lentils: 1 lb (454 g) = 160g carbohydrates
- Potatoes: 2 medium = 60g carbohydrates
- Spinach: 10 oz (283 g) = 10g carbohydrates
- Total carbohydrates per serving: Approximately 50g
Fats
- Olive oil: 6 tbsp = 72g fats
- Total fats per serving: Approximately 12g
Proteins
- Lentils: 1 lb (454 g) = 96g proteins
- Total proteins per serving: Approximately 16g
Vitamins and minerals
Cilantro and spinach provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.
Alergens
This recipe contains garlic and may not be suitable for those with garlic allergies.
Summary
This Lebanese Lentil Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Lebanese Lentil Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it warm, cold, or hot for a satisfying and flavorful experience.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Lebanese Lentil Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in Lebanon. I had always been fascinated by the flavors and aromas of Middle Eastern cuisine, and I was eager to learn as much as I could during my stay.
My aunt, a wonderful cook and a kind-hearted woman, took me under her wing and taught me the art of Lebanese cooking. She showed me how to prepare traditional dishes like tabbouleh, kibbeh, and of course, lentil soup. As we stood side by side in her cozy kitchen, she shared with me the secrets of her delicious recipes, passed down through generations of our family.
I watched intently as she sautéed onions and garlic in fragrant olive oil, then added a medley of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The kitchen was filled with the warm, earthy scent of the spices, and I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation of the finished dish.
Next, my aunt added a generous amount of brown lentils, along with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. She let the soup simmer on the stove for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the lentils to soften into a rich, hearty broth.
Finally, she added a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley before ladling the soup into bowls. I took my first spoonful, savoring the complex flavors of the lentils, tomatoes, and spices. It was a revelation – warm, comforting, and utterly delicious.
From that moment on, Lebanese Lentil Soup became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made it for my family and friends, bringing a taste of the Middle East to our dinner table. Over the years, I refined the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own.
I remember one particularly cold winter evening when I made a big pot of Lebanese Lentil Soup for a group of friends who had come over for dinner. As they sat around the table, savoring each spoonful of the fragrant soup, they showered me with compliments and asked for the recipe.
I was touched by their enthusiasm and realized that this simple soup had the power to bring people together, to warm both body and soul. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to my roots, a link to my past, and a way to share a piece of myself with others.
As the years passed, I continued to make Lebanese Lentil Soup for special occasions and everyday meals alike. Each time I prepared it, I thought of my aunt in Lebanon, and how she had introduced me to the wonders of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of cooking, I am grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories it evokes. It is a reminder of where I come from, who I am, and the joy that can be found in a simple bowl of soup.
Categories
| Lebanese Recipes | Lebanese Soups | Lentil Recipes | Lentil Soup Recipes | Potato Recipes | Spinach Recipes |