Shurbat Cadas (Somali Red Lentil Soup)
Shurbat Cadas is a hearty and flavorful Somali red lentil soup, packed with nutritious vegetables and aromatic spices. This comforting soup is a staple in Somali cuisine, often enjoyed during special occasions and perfect for a wholesome meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Red lentils(rinsed)
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil or ghee
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 medium Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 large Carrots(diced)
- 1 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 small Bell pepper (red or green)(chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin (ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Coriander (ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika or chili powder(optional, for heat)
- 8 cups Vegetable broth or water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- for serving Lemon wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil or ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 2
Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, chopped tomatoes, and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Stir in the ground cumin, turmeric, ground coriander, and paprika (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Add the rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth or water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure lentils are well rinsed to remove any debris. - 5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened.
⏱️ 40 minutes💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 6
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If a smoother consistency is desired, you can blend half or all of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender (be cautious when blending hot liquids).
💡 Tip: Blend in batches if using a regular blender, and do not fill the blender more than halfway. - 7
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
💡 Tip: Shurbat Cadas is delicious served with Somali flatbread (canjeero), naan, or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the chopped tomatoes.
- ✓Adjust the amount of paprika or chili powder to control the level of spiciness.
- ✓If the soup becomes too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like celery or zucchini.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt before serving.