Armenian Lentil Soup with Pomegranate
A hearty and nutritious soup, this Armenian lentil soup is elevated by the sweet and tart burst of fresh pomegranate seeds, offering a unique flavor profile. It's a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for any season.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Brown or green lentils(rinsed and picked over)
- 6 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(chopped)
- 2 medium Celery stalks(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried mint
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Pomegranate seeds(for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the cumin and dried mint, and cook for 30 seconds.
- 4
Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 5
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. - 6
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped cilantro or parsley.
💡 Tip: For a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Adjust the amount of dried mint to your preference.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth or simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- ✓Pomegranate molasses can be drizzled over the soup for an extra layer of flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes along with the other vegetables.
- Include a bay leaf during simmering for added depth of flavor.
- For a non-vegetarian version, a small amount of lamb or beef can be browned with the onions.