Egyptian Lentil Soup
Warm up with this comforting, spiced Egyptian lentil soup that is rich in flavor and wonderfully nourishing.
Ingredients
- •1 cup dry red lentils (200g), rinsed and drained
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- •1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- •1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •4 cups vegetable broth or water (960ml)
- •Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- •1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- •1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped onion, and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- 2
Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the diced carrot, potato, rinsed red lentils, and vegetable broth to the pot, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- 4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the lentils and vegetables are completely tender.
- 5
Remove the soup from the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or leave it slightly textured if preferred.
- 6
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for another 2 minutes.
- 7
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- For a deeper, toastier flavor, dry-roast the cumin and coriander in the pot for 30 seconds before adding the oil.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; the soup thickens as it sits, so add a splash of water when reheating.
- Serve with warm pita bread and lemon wedges on the side for an authentic touch.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished soup is velvety smooth and vibrantly golden, offering a rich, earthy flavor balanced by warm cumin and a bright, citrusy finish.