Warming Moroccan Lentil Soup with Vegetables and Spices

Lentil soup is one of those wonderfully simple dishes you throw together on a cold day, and yet it fills you up and warms you through. Lentils, an onion, some tomato and a handful of spices, and you’ve got a complete meal for next to nothing. It shows up often on Ramadan tables, either as an alternative to harira or alongside it.

The texture is entirely up to you: if you like it thick, mash some of the lentils; if you prefer it lighter, leave the grains whole. A pinch of cumin and a few drops of lemon at the very end lift the flavour beautifully.

Warming Moroccan Lentil Soup with Vegetables and Spices

A hearty lentil soup with tomatoes, onion and carrot, seasoned with cumin and turmeric. Gentle on the stomach and packed with plant-based protein.

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مدة التحضير 15 minutes mins

مدة الطهي 45 minutes mins

الوقت الكلي 1 hour hr

عدد الحصص: 5 people

Ingredients Method Notes

المقادير

  

• 2 cups rinsed lentils
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 grated tomatoes
• 1 grated carrot
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Coriander and parsley
• Salt, pepper and olive oil
• Lemon juice for serving

Method

 

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in the oil until softened.
2. Add the grated tomatoes, the carrot, the tomato paste and the spices, then stir for a few minutes.
3. Add the lentils, plenty of water, the coriander and the parsley, then cover the pot.
4. Let the soup simmer over medium heat for about 40 minutes, until the lentils are completely tender.
5. Mash some of the lentils if you want a thicker texture, then adjust the salt and water.
6. Serve hot with a pinch of cumin, a drizzle of olive oil, a few drops of lemon and some bread.

ملاحظات

Mashing some of the lentils gives a creamy texture without adding anything.
Cumin and lemon at the end lift the flavour considerably.
The soup thickens as it cools; add a little water when reheating.

Frequently asked questions

Which type of lentil is best for soup?

Brown or green lentils hold their shape, while red lentils break down and give a creamy texture; both are delicious.

Should I soak the lentils before cooking?

It isn't essential, but soaking them for half an hour shortens the cooking time a little.

Is lentil soup suitable for a diet?

Yes, it's rich in fibre and plant-based protein and filling for a moderate calorie count if you go easy on the oil.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA