Yemeni Lentil Soup (Shorbat Adas)
A hearty and comforting Yemeni lentil soup, seasoned with aromatic spices and often served with a squeeze of lemon and crispy bread. It's a staple, especially during cooler months or as a starter.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Red lentils(rinsed)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(chopped)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 6 cups Vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp Ground turmeric
- 0.5 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 whole Lemon(for serving)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(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. Sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Stir in the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, turmeric, coriander, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the lentils are well-rinsed to remove any impurities. - 4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are very tender and have broken down.
⏱️ 35 minutes💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 5
For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Alternatively, carefully transfer a portion to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
💡 Tip: Be cautious when blending hot liquids. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach desired consistency.
💡 Tip: The soup will thicken as it cools. - 7
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the soup and crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- ✓Some variations include adding a small piece of ginger for extra warmth.
- ✓Serve with Yemeni bread (like Lahoh or Khobz) for an authentic experience.
🔄 Variations
- Add a bay leaf during the simmering process for added depth of flavor.
- Incorporate a diced potato along with the carrots and celery for a more substantial soup.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.