Shorbet Adas bil Khodar (Palestinian Red Lentil and Vegetable Soup)
A nourishing and vibrant Palestinian lentil soup packed with red lentils, aromatic vegetables, and warming spices. This comforting soup is a staple, perfect for any season.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Red lentils(rinsed)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Carrot(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Celery stalk(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 medium Tomato(chopped, or 1/2 cup tomato puree)
- 6 cups Vegetable stock(or chicken stock)
- 0.5 whole Lemon(juiced)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Ensure vegetables are tender but not browned. - 2
Add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Toasting the spices enhances their flavor. - 3
Add the chopped tomato (or puree) and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- 4
Stir in the rinsed red lentils and vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the liquid and prevent boiling over. - 5
Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender and the lentils have started to break down.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 6
For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend all or part of the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, leave it chunky.
💡 Tip: Be careful when blending hot liquids. - 7
Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
💡 Tip: The lemon juice brightens the flavors of the soup. - 8
Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. Crusty bread or za'atar croutons are excellent accompaniments.
💡 Tip: Za'atar croutons can be made by toasting bread cubes with za'atar spice blend and olive oil.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If the soup becomes too thick, add more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- ✓For a richer flavor, consider using chicken stock instead of vegetable stock.
- ✓This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of turmeric for color and added health benefits.
- Include other vegetables like diced zucchini or sweet potato.
- For a non-vegan version, a small piece of lamb or chicken can be simmered with the vegetables.