Description
A fragrant and nourishing Armenian-inspired soup made with red lentils, dried apricots, tomatoes, and warm spices. Creamy without dairy and ready in 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and unique dish with a hint of natural sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried apricots, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 medium garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons water
- 5 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth, plus more if needed
- 2 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Place chopped dried apricots in a small bowl and cover with warm water. Set aside to soften.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrots with half the salt and pepper. Cook for 8 minutes until softened.
- Add grape tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, cumin, paprika, and water. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Add lentils and stock, then the remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, and simmer partially covered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the apricots and add them to the soup along with lemon juice. Remove from heat.
- Use an immersion blender to blend to desired consistency—smooth or slightly textured.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of parsley.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegan version.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or coriander for extra warmth.
- Only blend half the soup if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- Serve with flatbread or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Soup thickens as it cools—add broth when reheating if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Armenian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
