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Creamy pumpkin soup garnished with cilantro and red pepper flakes in a white bowl on a wooden table with bread.

Lebanese Lentil Soup

This hearty and flavorful Lebanese lentil soup is a cherished family recipe passed down from my husband’s Armenian-Lebanese family. Known as Shorbat Adas, this simple soup is made with a handful of ingredients like red lentils, warm spices, and fresh lemon juice. It's the perfect soup for those looking for a healthy soup that's hearty, nutritious, and packed with plant-based protein. Passed down from my husband’s Lebanese family, this dish is a staple in many Lebanese restaurants and homes alike. Whether you serve it with pita bread, white rice, or a slice of crusty bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: lentils, soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10
Calories: 216kcal
Author: Lola Jay

Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 2 cups red lentils rinsed and drained
  • 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 large carrot peeled and diced
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1.5 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 cups chicken broth or low-sodium vegetable broth for a vegan option
  • 2 cups water
  • Juice of 3 lemons
  • 3 tablespoon fresh parsley

For the Crispy Pita Topping

  • 1 thin medium pita separated
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare the Crispy Pita Chips

  • Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
    Hand adjusting oven temperature dial to 160 degrees, focusing on precise cooking settings at home.
  • Separate the pita bread pocket. Roll into a log and slice into medium strips. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil and ¼ teaspoon salt.
    Person preparing fresh noodle strips on a cutting board with rolled dough in the kitchen.
  • Air fry for 3-4 minutes or spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.
    Air fryer with crispy potato peels being tossed, ready for a healthy snack.

Sauté the Base

  • In a large pot or dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.
    Woman pouring olive oil into a pot in a sunny kitchen with fresh ingredients ready for cooking.
  • Add the chopped onions and sauté for a couple of minutes until softened.
    Chopped onions sautéing in a large pot, releasing aroma for a savory dish preparation.

Cook the Lentils

  • Add the red lentils and garlic.
    Cooking red lentils with garlic and onions in a large pot for a delicious meal preparation.
  • Add the chopped potatoes, and chopped carrots to the pot. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, cooking for another couple of minutes until fragrant.
    Cooking a hearty lentil stew with carrots, potatoes, and spices in a blue pot.
  • Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable stock) and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
    Woman in kitchen pouring mixture into pot, surrounded by plants and flowers, near stainless steel fridge.

Blend the Soup

  • Use an immersion blender or immersion hand blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. (For a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup.)
    Woman blending homemade soup in a pot with an immersion blender in a cozy kitchen setup.
  • Stir in the juice of 3 lemons and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if needed.
    Woman in kitchen squeezing lemon juice into a pot on the stove, surrounded by fresh ingredients and plants.

Serve and Garnish

  • Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
    A bowl of creamy lentil soup garnished with lemon slice, herbs, crispy croutons, and spices.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with olive oil, crispy pita chips and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I also sometimes top it with chili garlic and it is DELISH!
    Creamy soup topped with crispy garnish and herbs in a white bowl on a wooden table.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 228mg | Potassium: 603mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1281IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 4mg