Shorbat Adas (Jordanian Lentil Soup)
A comforting and nutritious red lentil soup, a staple in Jordanian cuisine, often enjoyed during colder months and particularly during Ramadan. It's known for its simple yet flavorful preparation, typically featuring lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 large Yellow onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1.5 cups Split red lentils(rinsed and sorted)
- 1 stalk Celery stalk(chopped (leaves can also be used for extra flavor))
- 1 medium Carrot(peeled and chopped)
- 1 large Potato(peeled and chopped (optional))
- 8 cups Vegetable broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Lemon wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric powder. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the rinsed lentils, chopped celery, chopped carrot, and chopped potato (if using) to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables and lentils with the spices.
- 5
Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- 6
Once cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- 7
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Reheat gently if necessary.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing into the soup.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf while simmering and remove it before blending.
- ✓Celery leaves add a more intense flavor than the stalks.
- ✓Some variations include a pinch of chili powder for a hint of spice.
🔄 Variations
- Add a small amount of fresh ginger, minced, along with the garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness.