This delicious Lentil Soup recipe is healthy, filling and delicious. Middle Eastern Lentil Soup brings you that middle eastern flare you have been craving while being packed full of goodness.
With our family size, I am always looking for economical meals. That is why I love recipes which include dried beans and, since lentils are a part of the legume family, they are a great addition to any menu.
Lentils are a good source of protein, iron, phosphorus, copper, vitamin B1, as well as, a very good source of fiber, iron and manganese. According to Wikipedia, they have the third highest level of protein of any other legume or nut. They are a nutritional powerhouse!
Top Tip For This Middle Eastern Lentil Soup Recipe
There is one problem, however. Lentils are high in phytates. Phytates or phytic acid is an anti-nutrient found in all grains and legumes which must be neutralized before your body can absorb the nutrients from foods eaten.
The phytates in lentils can be easily neutralized by soaking them overnight in water with a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice, vinegar or whey. For more information, read Grain Preparation.
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📋 Recipe
Lentil Soup - Middle Eastern Style
Ingredients
- 2 cups lentils
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 8 cups broth chicken or beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoons cumin
- 2 tablespoon parsley
- sour cream
- grated cheese optional for topping
Instructions
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Soak the lentils, covered in water with 2 tablespoon lemon juice overnight.
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In the morning, drain lentils.
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To the lentils add broth, onion, carrots and garlic.
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Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender about 40 min.
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Allow to cool slightly and working in batches, puree ½ to ⅔ of the mixture. Pour back into the soup pot.
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Add 3 teaspoon lemon juice, cumin and parsley to the soup mixture.
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Simmer 5 - 10 minutes before serving.
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Top with sour cream and grated cheese if desired.
Notes
How To Prepare Lentil To Make Lentil Soup
- Here is one problem, however. Lentils are high in phytates. Phytates or phytic acid is an anti-nutrient found in all grains and legumes which must be neutralized before your body can absorb the nutrients from foods eaten.
- The phytates in lentils can be easily neutralized by soaking them overnight in water with a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice, vinegar or whey. For more information, read Grain Preparation.
Nutrition
Michelle says
I love lentil soup and was going to make some today, now I'm definately! :) Michelle
Miz Helen says
Hi Diana Marie,
We will just love your lentil soup, it looks delicious. Hope you have a fabulous week and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
Your lentil soup looks amazing! We have some awesome recipes this week!! Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! :)
Thanks for linking back to the Gluten Free Fridays post!
Cindy from vegetarianmamma.com
Lea H @ Nourishing Treasures says
Thank you for your submission on Nourishing Treasures' Make Your Own! Monday link-up.
Check back tomorrow when the new link-up is running to see if you were one of the top 3 featured posts! :)
Emily Kemp says
I love lentil soup, thanks for sharing your tips on soaking, so interesting!