Simple, flavorful & soul-warming, this Lebanese Lentil Soup contains plant-based protein and fiber, thanks to red lentils, onion, tomato, rice, cumin & salt. Garnish with pita chips, fresh lemon juice, parsley and you’ll be surprised (…but then not so surprised) at how many times you’ll refill your bowl again and again with this classic Lebanese soup!
This Lebanese lentil soup recipe is easy, super tasty and warming. Although it is an often overlooked ingredient, the red lentil is the star of this yummy show. Notable mentions include vegetables (onion and tomato), rice, cumin and salt. Once cooked all together you can garnish with pita chips, olive oil, lemon juice and parsley.
What is Shorbat Adas?
Shorbat adas means ‘soup of lentils’ in Arabic. It is a soup that is popular in the Middle East, especially in the Levantine region. At its core, shorbat adas is made by boiling red lentils until a crushed or mushy consistency is attained, followed by the addition of seasonings such as cumin, turmeric, and salt.
Many variations of shorbat adas exist. Vegetables & seasonings can be added depending on the region and availability. Some common veggies are onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic. Common seasonings can include cumin, salt, turmeric, chili powder, and black pepper. It is usually added with the lentils and cooked down until pureed.
When finished cooking, it can be blended for a thinner consistency or left in its ‘crushed’ state.
Garnishing is even easier, where you can add one or a combination of: lemon wedge & juice, parsley, pita chips, pomegranate seeds, cilantro, chili flakes, olive oil and the list of ingredients go on and on and on. The red lentil base allows you lots of versatility.
What is Lebanese lentil soup made of?
Traditional lentil soup typically includes red lentils, onion, rice, carrots, cumin and salt. But like any traditional recipe, every region (and family!) has their own take.
This Lebanese lentil soup recipe includes lentils, onion, rice, tomato, cumin and salt. The tomato adds a bit of sweet and richness to the base. The onion adds a bit more sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Deep fried pita chips, parsley leaves and a spritz of fresh lemon juice are my favorite garnishes – you get the crisp and deep toasted flavor from the pita chips and herbal notes from the parsley. In my opinion, the lemon juice’s citrus bite ties it all together.
Is lentil soup healthy?
Lentil soup is nutrient-rich and contains protein and fiber thanks to the red lentils. Lentils alone are:
- made up of more than 25% protein,
- high in fiber,
- rich in polyphenols
- excellent source of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
How many calories are in lentil soup?
For every 1 cup serving of this Lebanese lentil soup recipe (without garnishes & no extra water added at the end), there are about 124 calories. For the calorie-conscious foodie, I’d suggest using baked pita chips over deep fried pita chips.
Is this recipe easy to make?
This lentil soup recipe is very simple to prepare, cook, and serve. The most waiting you will do is 20-30 minutes on the lentils to cook through, depending on your desired consistency. In total, it should take around 45 minutes total.
What ingredients are in Lebanese lentil soup?
- Split red lentils, rinsed (as opposed to whole lentils which take longer to cook and retain their shape)
- Water
- Onion, chopped (yellow or sweet onions work best)
- Tomato, chopped (tomato-on-the-vine is recommended)
- Rice (such as long grain white rice)
- Ground Cumin
- Salt
- Oil (such as olive oil)
Optional garnishes
- Fried or baked pita chips
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh lemon juice
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Pomegranate seeds
- Chili flakes
How to make Lebanese lentil soup (Shorbat Adas)
- Fry up onions – until lightly browned and translucent.
- Add in the goods – tomato, rice, lentils, cumin, salt, and fry for a few minutes.
- Mix in water & boil – increase heat to a light boil and cover for 30 minutes. Mix every so often.
- Remove from heat – Optional: Blend and/or add water (a little at a time!) for a thinner consistency. Adjust salt & cumin to taste.
- Garnish to your hearts desire 💖 – I recommend fried pita chips, parsley, fresh lemon juice & a drizzle of olive oil!
And now, garnish and enjoy!
