Spiced Garlic Lentil Soup with Lemon Zest
Discover the warmth and comfort of our Spiced Garlic Lentil Soup with Lemon Zest, a delightful blend of flavors that represents a melting pot of global cuisines. This soul-soothing soup is enriched with fragrant cumin, imparting a distinctly Middle-Eastern flair that enhances the earthy richness of lentils. The combination of fresh garlic and a splash of zesty lemon juice elevates this dish, making it not just a meal but a culinary experience. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it utilizes staples likely already in your pantry, ensuring that 'What's for dinner?' is always a delicious affair.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Onion
1 large, finely chopped (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2, finely chopped (finely chopped)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried lentils
1 3/4 cups (rinsed and drained)
Chicken stock
8 cups (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
to taste (fresh ground)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Extra virgin olive oil
for drizzling (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent.
2
Sprinkle the cumin into the pot, stirring to combine, and allow it to cook for another minute to release its aromatic flavors.
3
Next, add the dried lentils to the mixture, followed by the chicken stock, salt, and a generous amount of black pepper. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
4
Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the lentils have softened and broken down. If the soup appears too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
5
Once cooked, stir in the fresh lemon juice and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6
Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a rich, flavorful finish. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main flavors of the Spiced Garlic Lentil Soup?
The soup features earthy lentils, fragrant cumin, garlic, and a bright finish of lemon zest and juice.
How many dried lentils are needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 3/4 cups of dried lentils for this recipe.
How should I prepare the lentils before cooking?
The dried lentils should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
What kind of liquid base is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of chicken stock as the liquid base.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe requires 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.
What is the recommended cooking time for the onions?
You should sauté the onions and garlic for about 6 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
At what point do I add the cumin to the pot?
Sprinkle the cumin into the pot after the onions and garlic have softened.
How long should the cumin cook before adding other ingredients?
Allow the cumin to cook for about one minute to release its aromatic flavors.
What is the simmering time for the soup?
The soup should simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
Should the pot be covered or uncovered while simmering?
The pot should be covered with a lid while the lentils simmer.
How do I know when the lentils are finished cooking?
The lentils are done once they have softened and broken down.
What should I do if the soup appears too thick?
If the soup is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
When should the lemon juice be added to the soup?
Stir in the lemon juice once the cooking process is complete.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is suggested for a rich, flavorful finish?
Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this soup is ideal for both meal prep and easy weeknight dinners.
How much olive oil is used for the initial sautéing?
Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil to heat the pot.
What size onion does the recipe call for?
The recipe specifies using 1 large onion that is finely chopped.
What type of pepper is recommended for seasoning?
The recipe recommends a generous amount of fresh ground black pepper.
Can I add fresh herbs to this soup?
Yes, you can garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
What kind of flavor flair does the cumin provide?
The cumin imparts a distinctly Middle-Eastern flair to the soup.
How much salt is included in the ingredient list?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup is intended to be served hot.
How can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
After cooking, taste the soup and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
Increase the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer after adding the stock.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include soup, lentils, vegetable, garlic, cumin, and lemon.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and utilizes common pantry staples.
What is the preparation method for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
While the recipe calls for chicken stock, you can substitute vegetable stock for a different flavor.
What makes this soup soul-soothing?
The combination of warm spices, garlic, and earthy lentils creates a comforting culinary experience.