Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup Recipe
This Lebanese Lemon Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines tender lentils with aromatic vegetables and a zesty hint of lemon juice. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a delicious option for lunch or dinner.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Soup Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Prepare Lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dust or debris, then set them aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot along with the vegetable broth, bay leaf, and cumin. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
- Season and Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice to add a fresh, zesty flavor. Season the soup with salt to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use brown or green lentils for this recipe; red lentils tend to break down too much.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your taste preference for acidity.
- For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup before adding the lemon juice.
- This soup freezes well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Lebanese Lentil Soup, Lemon Lentil Soup, Vegetarian Lentil Soup, Comfort Food, Healthy Soup, Easy Lentil Recipe