Arab Lentil Soup Recipe

Arab lentil soup recipe is made with red lentils, olive oil, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cardamom, black pepper, tomato, rice, vegetable stock, kosher salt, lemon, and cilantro. This hearty Arab lentil soup recipe creates a flavorful and nutritious dinner that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Arab lentil soup Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils (or other dried lentils, see note)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular; I prefer regular)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 tomato, chopped (or 1 cup tomato puree)
• 1/2 cup short grain rice
• 4 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock if you don’t need a vegan soup; you may need extra to loosen the soup at the end of cooking)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or more, to adjust seasoning before serving)
• 1 lemon, juiced (for serving)
• 1/4 cup cilantro (also known as coriander) or flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked and chopped (for serving)

Arab lentil soup Instructions

1. Pick over the lentils to make sure there aren’t any little stones or grit, and set them aside.

Stovetop Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cardamom, and black pepper. Stir for an additional 2 minutes until the spices smell toasty and coat the vegetables.
3. Add the chopped tomato (or tomato puree) and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the lentils and rice, stirring to combine.
5. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the lentils and rice are soft and fully cooked. If using red or yellow lentils, they should be breaking down at this point. Add extra stock or water if the soup becomes too thick.
6. Adjust the seasoning with kosher salt as needed.

Recipe Tips

• Enhance Flavor with Toasted Spices: Toasting the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cardamom, and black pepper in oil before adding other ingredients helps release their flavors and enhances the depth of taste in the soup.
• Creamy Texture with Red Lentils: If you prefer a creamier texture, use red lentils which break down more during cooking. For a heartier texture, opt for green or brown lentils that hold their shape better.
• Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Stirring in chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving adds a burst of fresh flavor and brightens up the soup.

How To Store Arab Lentil Soup

Refrigerate: Cool the Arab Lentil Soup completely. Then, either cover the pot with a lid or transfer the soup to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the soup. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover Arab Lentil Soup

On the Stovetop: Pour the leftover Arab Lentil Soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the soup is hot all the way through.

In The Microwave: Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover soup in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the soup is hot all the way through.

In The Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an air fryer-safe container. Heat for 5-10 minutes, checking halfway to avoid overheating or drying out.

What To Serve Arab Lentil Soup

Arab Lentil Soup pairs well with crusty bread, pita chips, a simple green salad, and roasted vegetables. It also can be served alongside hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and grilled chicken for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of lentils. Red or yellow lentils will break down more and create a creamier texture, while green or brown lentils will hold their shape more.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To make the soup spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper when you add the spices. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have

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