Description
A traditional Middle Eastern red lentil soup made with vegetables and fragrant spices, shorbat adas is naturally creamy, comforting, and full of warm, bright flavor from lemon and herbs.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for garnish
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- 3 medium carrots, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1 russet potato (8 oz), peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups water
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz), undrained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley or dill), plus more for garnish
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 7–8 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
- In a dry skillet, toast coriander and cumin seeds over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Cool slightly, then grind into a fine powder.
- Lower heat to medium. Add carrots, potato, red lentils, garlic, salt, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, and the ground spices. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add water and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook partially covered for 20 minutes, until vegetables and lentils are tender.
- Transfer about 3 cups of soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return to pot and stir to combine.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, scallions, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Add chili powder or cayenne for heat.
- Stir in spinach or zucchini at the end for extra vegetables.
- Blend entire soup for a smoother texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
