Savory Egyptian Spiced Red Lentil Soup
This Savory Egyptian Spiced Red Lentil Soup is a beloved traditional dish, often enjoyed during Ramadan to break the fast. With its rich and hearty flavor profile, this soup showcases the wonderful warmth of Middle Eastern spices combined with the earthy essence of red lentils. Vegan and nourishing, this soup is not only a celebration of Egyptian culinary heritage but also a healthy choice for any meal. It's perfect as a comforting dinner or a satisfying lunch, served warm with toasted pita bread for dipping. The combination of cumin, turmeric, and fresh cilantro transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of deliciousness that is sure to please your taste buds and warm your heart.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
red lentil
1 cup (rinsed)
vegetable stock
3 3/4 cups (standard)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1 dash (to taste)
cumin
3/4 teaspoon (ground)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
cayenne
1 dash (to taste)
lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
to drizzle (as desired)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it's translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
2
Rinse the red lentils under cold water, then add them to the saucepan along with the vegetable stock, salt, and a dash of pepper.
3
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and start to break down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
If the soup looks too thick, add a little more water or stock to reach your desired consistency.
5
Once the lentils are soft, stir in the cumin, turmeric, chopped cilantro, cayenne, and lemon juice. Mix well and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the spices to meld.
6
Before serving, drizzle a little olive oil over the top for added richness.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
25g
Carbs
8g
Protein
10.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Egyptian Spiced Red Lentil Soup?
It is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, often enjoyed during Ramadan, featuring red lentils and warm spices like cumin and turmeric.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this soup is entirely vegan and made with plant-based ingredients like vegetable stock and lentils.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What type of lentils are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses red lentils, which break down easily to create a creamy texture.
Can I substitute red lentils with green lentils?
Red lentils are preferred because they soften and break down; green lentils maintain their shape and will result in a different texture.
How long does it take to cook the lentils?
The lentils should simmer for approximately 30 minutes until they are soft and start to break down.
What spices provide the flavor in this Egyptian soup?
The soup is flavored with cumin, turmeric, salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for heat.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped and sautéed in a saucepan until translucent and fragrant.
What is the protein content of this soup?
The soup provides 8g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, though you should verify your vegetable stock for additives.
How much fiber does this soup contain?
This soup is high in fiber, providing 10.3g per serving.
Is this soup traditional for any specific occasion?
Yes, it is a beloved traditional dish often enjoyed during Ramadan to break the fast.
What is recommended to serve with this soup?
It is perfect when served warm with toasted pita bread for dipping.
Can I freeze Savory Egyptian Spiced Red Lentil Soup?
Yes, lentil soup freezes very well in airtight containers for several months.
How do I adjust the consistency of the soup?
If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more water or vegetable stock until you reach your desired consistency.
What does the lemon juice add to the dish?
The lemon juice provides a bright acidity that balances the earthy lentils and warm spices.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Yes, you can easily add carrots or celery during the sautéing stage for extra nutrition.
Is this soup spicy?
It contains a dash of cayenne and warm spices, but it is generally mild. You can adjust the cayenne to your preference.
How much vegetable stock is required?
The recipe calls for 3 3/4 cups of vegetable stock.
Why should I rinse the lentils?
Rinsing lentils under cold water helps remove any debris or dust before cooking.
What is the role of turmeric in this recipe?
Turmeric adds a beautiful golden color and a subtle earthy flavor to the soup.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is recommended for the best flavor, but dried can be used in smaller quantities if necessary.
What oil is used for drizzling?
A drizzle of olive oil is added before serving for extra richness.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 11 ingredients including spices and oil.
How much fat is in this soup?
The soup contains 3.3g of fat per serving.
Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
Yes, red lentils cook very quickly in a pressure cooker, usually requiring only 5-10 minutes under pressure.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Does this soup contain any sugar?
No, this recipe contains no added sugar.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any cholesterol in this soup?
This recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.