Best 2 Lebanese Style Red Lentil Soup Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Lebanese cuisine with our authentic Lebanese-style red lentil soup recipe. This hearty and flavorful soup is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring tender lentils simmered in a rich and aromatic broth, infused with the warmth of cumin, coriander, and a hint of paprika. Enhanced with the vibrant acidity of lemon juice and the freshness of chopped cilantro, this lentil soup promises a delightful balance of tangy, savory, and comforting flavors.

Indulge in the simplicity of this traditional Lebanese dish, perfect for a wholesome lunch or a light dinner. Explore variations of this classic recipe, including a vegan version that swaps out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, a spicy version that adds a touch of chili powder for a fiery kick, and a hearty version that incorporates chunks of tender chicken for a protein-packed meal. Discover the versatility of this lentil soup as it transforms into a vibrant and flavorful dish, ready to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LEBANESE RED LENTIL SOUP

Lebanese Red Lentil Soup image

This is a slight variation of the lentil soup my father has made ever since I can remember. He is from Lebanon and one of the best cooks I know. My version is a combination of his and the red lentil soup served at a Lebanese restaurant in Chicago, the chef of which was kind enough to share his secrets with me. It is healthy, hearty, delicious and easy to make.

Provided by Little Tomato

Categories Grains

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

10 cups vegetable stock (or chicken)
1 -2 tablespoon olive oil or 1 -2 tablespoon butter
1 cup onion, diced
2 1/2 cups red lentils, thoroughly rinsed
1/2 cup rice
1 1/2 teaspoons Arabic seven spice (available at Middle Eastern grocery stores)
2 teaspoons cumin
salt and pepper
1/4 teaspoon aleppo pepper (also available at Middle Eastern grocery stores) (optional) or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

Steps:

Sautee onions in the olive oil or butter until soft and translucent.
Add the stock, lentils, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.
When lentils are broken down and rice is almost cooked (about 10 minutes), add the Arabic seven spice, cumin, salt, pepper, and Aleppo pepper, if using it.
Simmer soup for another 15-20 minutes.
Turn off heat and then add the lemon juice.
NOTE: Add more stock or water to thin it out if it becomes too thick. At the correct consistency, you should be able to pour the soup into bowls.
Serve with crusty bread and additional lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 372.2, Fat 4.3, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 8.2, Carbohydrate 64.4, Fiber 9.5, Sugar 1.7, Protein 21.5

LEBANESE-STYLE RED LENTIL SOUP

Lebanese-Style Red Lentil Soup image

This is a wonderful soup that sort of resembles split-pea. I serve it garnished with lemon wedges, and sometimes add grilled chicken breast or cooked and cubed sweet potatoes for texture. Have fun with it!

Provided by Jen Yagoobian Pfister

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Beans and Peas Lentil Soup Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

6 cups chicken stock
1 pound red lentils
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup chopped cilantro
¾ cup fresh lemon juice

Steps:

Bring chicken stock and lentils to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic and onion, and cook until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 3 minutes.
Stir onions into the lentils and season with cumin and cayenne. Continue simmering until the lentils are tender, about 10 minutes.
Carefully puree the soup in a standing blender, or with a stick blender until smooth. Stir in cilantro and lemon juice before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276.4 calories, Carbohydrate 39.1 g, Cholesterol 0.6 mg, Fat 7 g, Fiber 9.1 g, Protein 16.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 524.1 mg, Sugar 3 g

Tips:

Soak the lentils: Soaking the lentils for at least 30 minutes before cooking will help them cook more evenly and quickly. Soaking also helps to remove any impurities or debris from the lentils.
Use a variety of spices: Lebanese-style red lentil soup is typically made with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. These spices give the soup a warm and flavorful taste.
Add vegetables: Vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions add flavor and texture to the soup. You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes, zucchini, or green beans.
Use a good quality vegetable broth: The vegetable broth is the base of the soup, so it's important to use a good quality broth. You can use store-bought broth or make your own.
Simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes: Simmering the soup for at least 30 minutes will help the flavors to meld and develop. The longer you simmer the soup, the more flavorful it will be.
Serve the soup with garnishes: Lebanese-style red lentil soup is typically served with garnishes such as chopped fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, and pita bread.

Conclusion:

Lebanese-style red lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its rich flavor and variety of textures, this soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.