Syrian Red Lentil Soup with Spices

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) red lentils 1 cup (200g) red lentils
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, diced 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomato and cook for a few minutes until it softens.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using), and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
6. 6.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Red lentils — Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities or debris.
• Ground cumin — Toasting the cumin in a dry pan for a minute before adding it to the soup will enhance its flavor.
• Lemon juice — Squeeze the lemon just before adding it to the soup to ensure a fresh and tangy taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Serve the soup with a side of warm pita bread or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
• Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables, such as carrots or spinach.
• Make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for quick and convenient meals.

Serving advice

Serve the Syrian Red Lentil Soup with Spices as a comforting and nourishing main course. Pair it with a side of warm pita bread or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the soup in individual bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh cilantro. Drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top for an elegant touch. Serve with warm bread on the side for a complete and visually appealing presentation.