Savory Egyptian Lentil Soup
Experience the rich flavors of North Africa with this delightful Egyptian Lentil Soup. This hearty soup combines wholesome lentils with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a comforting dish that is perfect for any season. Adapted for a quick preparation, it embodies the essence of traditional Egyptian cooking while remaining accessible for modern kitchens. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that warms both body and soul.
4
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Margarine
1/4 (cup)
Celery
1 (cup, chopped)
Carrots
1 (cup, sliced)
Onion
1/2 (cup, chopped)
Dried lentils
1 (cup)
Garlic
2 (cloves, minced)
Bay leaf
1
Chicken stock
2 (cups)
Tomato
1 (peeled and chopped)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped celery, sliced carrots, and onion to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and bay leaf, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
4
Rinse the dried lentils under cold water, then add them to the vegetable mixture.
5
Pour in the chicken stock and add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6
Add enough water to the pot to cover the lentils by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
8
Remove the bay leaf, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
9
Serve the hot soup immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
25
Carbs
7.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Egyptian Lentil Soup?
It is a hearty North African dish combining lentils, vibrant vegetables like carrots and celery, and aromatic spices for a comforting meal.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
Is this Egyptian Lentil Soup vegetarian?
The recipe calls for chicken stock, but it can easily be made vegetarian by substituting it with vegetable stock.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The primary ingredients are dried lentils, margarine, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, chicken stock, and tomatoes.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 7.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of lentils should I use?
The recipe specifies dried lentils, which are common in traditional Egyptian cooking.
How long do I need to sauté the vegetables?
You should sauté the celery, carrots, and onion for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
Do I need to rinse the lentils before cooking?
Yes, you should rinse the dried lentils under cold water before adding them to the vegetable mixture.
How much garlic is required for this soup?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of minced garlic.
How much chicken stock is needed?
You will need 2 cups of chicken stock.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe suggests using one peeled and chopped tomato.
How much water should I add to the pot?
Add enough water to cover the lentils by about one inch.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
What should I do with the bay leaf after cooking?
You should remove the bay leaf before pureeing the soup.
How do I achieve a smooth texture for the soup?
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer it to a standard blender in batches.
What are the suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the hot soup with fresh herbs if desired.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter can be used as a substitute for the 1/4 cup of margarine mentioned in the recipe.
What size should the carrots be?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of sliced carrots.
How much onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple steps like sautéing, boiling, and blending.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, along with a bay leaf for aroma.
What should I serve with Egyptian Lentil Soup?
It is traditionally served with crusty bread for a complete meal.
How much celery is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped celery.
Should the soup be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions state to let it simmer uncovered.
How much margarine is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of margarine.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is described as warming both body and soul.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
The provided data does not specify the exact fiber content, though lentils are naturally high in fiber.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.