Egyptian Lentil Soup (Shorbat Adas)
A comforting, velvety, and nutrient-dense staple of Egyptian cuisine that warms the soul with its earthy flavors and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
- •1.5 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
- •2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- •1 large potato, peeled and diced
- •6 cups vegetable broth or water
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- •Salt and black pepper to taste
- •Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- •Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the garlic, carrots, and potatoes to the pot, cooking for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the rinsed lentils, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, coating the vegetables thoroughly with the spices.
- 4
Pour in the vegetable broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are completely tender.
- 6
Use an immersion blender to process the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, or transfer to a standard blender in batches if necessary.
- 7
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding a splash of water if the soup is too thick.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a generous squeeze of lemon juice.
💡 Chef tips
- For a deeper flavor, toast the cumin seeds in the dry pot for 30 seconds before adding the oil.
- This soup thickens significantly as it cools; add a little water or broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished soup should be vibrant golden-yellow, velvety smooth in texture, with a bright, earthy aroma and a savory, slightly tangy flavor profile.