Mid-Eastern Lentil Soup
A hearty Middle Eastern lentil soup packed with flavors of cumin, coriander, and fresh herbs, perfect for comforting and nutritious meals suitable for all occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion, celery, and garlic in oil for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat.
- Rinse lentils and add to the pan along with chicken stock. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add grated carrot, grated apple, cumin, and coriander. Continue simmering until vegetables and lentils are tender.
- Add parsley and salt to taste. Garnish with croutons before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. You can substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to make it vegetarian. If you don't have lentils on hand, split peas can be a suitable alternative, but cooking times may vary. Ensure to rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris.
Serving Suggestions
This Mid-Eastern Lentil Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For added texture, top each bowl with homemade croutons or a dollop of yogurt. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables to enhance the heartiness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it appears too thick. This soup also freezes well; just allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mid-Eastern Lentil Soup contains roughly 442 calories, with 19g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (159% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1344mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Just be sure to add a little water or stock when reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this soup vegan, simply replace chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit any animal-based toppings like yogurt or croutons made with butter. The lentils and vegetables provide plenty of protein and flavor on their own.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a side of warm pita bread or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a heartier option, consider serving it with a grilled chicken breast or a side of Hearty Herbed Lentils And Rice for a satisfying combination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).