Ftat Misrati - Libyan Spiced Lentil Soup

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
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 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 parsley or cilantro, for garnish Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
• Crispy bread (khubz), for serving Crispy bread (khubz), for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
4. 4.
   Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. 5.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Ftat Misrati hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. Tear the crispy bread into pieces and add it to the soup just before eating.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.
• Khubz (crispy bread) — Use a crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta, for the best texture. Toast the bread until crispy before tearing it into pieces.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes.
• Add a dollop of yogurt on top of the soup for a creamy and tangy twist.
• Customize the soup by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach.
• Drizzle some olive oil over the soup before serving for extra richness.
• Make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal later.

Serving advice

Serve the Ftat Misrati hot in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Place a small plate of torn crispy bread on the side for dipping and scooping up the soup.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of the soup just before serving. You can also sprinkle some additional ground cumin or paprika for added visual appeal. Serve the soup in beautiful ceramic bowls or rustic soup mugs to create an inviting presentation.