Shorbath Adas (Emirati Lentil Soup)
A comforting and nourishing lentil soup, Shorbat Adas is a staple in Emirati cuisine. This version is enhanced with the subtle tang of dried lime (loomi) and warm spices, making it a wholesome and flavorful starter or light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Red lentils(rinsed and drained)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 minced Garlic cloves
- 2 medium Carrots(chopped)
- 1 medium Potatoes(cubed)
- 6 cups Vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 whole Loomi (dried lime)(pierced a few times)
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Coriander leaves
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic, chopped carrots, and cubed potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Stir in the rinsed red lentils, cumin powder, and turmeric powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the pierced loomi. Bring the soup to a boil.
💡 Tip: Piercing the loomi helps to release its flavor into the soup. - 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- 6
Remove the loomi. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 7
For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
💡 Tip: Be careful when blending hot liquids. - 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Red lentils cook quickly and break down easily, creating a creamy texture.
- ✓If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip the blending step or blend only half of the soup.
- ✓Dried limes (loomi) add a unique tangy and slightly smoky flavor. Ensure they are clean before use.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Some variations include adding vermicelli noodles in the last few minutes of cooking.