Name: The Life-Changing Persian Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 1 cup lentils (red or green); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon (for serving); Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Introduction

The Life-Changing Persian Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines hearty lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. This nourishing soup is perfect for any season and promises to become a staple in your kitchen with its rich taste and wholesome ingredients.

A bowl of thick yellow soup filled with small yellow lentils, dark brown beans, and chopped green leafy herbs, topped with a dollop of white creamy yogurt in the center, served in a white bowl with a light brown rim, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup lentils (red or green)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon (for serving)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and set them aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until warm.
Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
Step 5: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
Step 6: Add the rinsed lentils and pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer.
Step 7: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
Step 8: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and allow it to wilt.
Step 9: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 10: Serve the soup hot, drizzling lemon juice over each bowl and garnishing with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the spices to your taste by adding more cumin for depth or turmeric for an earthier flavor.
Add fresh herbs like basil or dill to brighten the soup’s flavors and add a unique twist.
Top the soup with roasted chickpeas or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra texture and a spicy kick.
Include shredded chicken or beef to make the soup heartier.
Incorporate different beans such as chickpeas or black beans for variety and protein boost.
Add a diced jalapeño or red pepper if you prefer a spicier version.
Substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well; place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a thick yellow soup that has small yellow lentils, pieces of brown beans, green leafy herbs, and bits of orange carrots mixed throughout. On top in the center, there is a dollop of smooth white cream. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the soup looks warm and hearty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What type of lentils should I use?

Both red and green lentils work well. Red lentils tend to break down more during cooking, creating a creamier texture, while green lentils hold their shape better.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking.