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Iraqi Lentil Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 135 reviews

This hearty Iraqi Lentil Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish made with red lentils simmered in a blend of cumin, curry, and chili powders. Enhanced with aromatic onions, vegetable stock, and a splash of lemon juice, it’s a nourishing and simple meal perfect for any day. Optional garnishes like fresh coriander, chili flakes, olive oil, and crispy fried onions add texture and extra bursts of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 white onion, finely chopped
  • 300 g red lentils
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp chilli powder
  • 1.5 liters boiling water
  • 1 vegetable stock pot or stock cube
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh coriander
  • Chilli flakes
  • Drizzle of olive oil
  • Crispy fried onions

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions for about 5 minutes, until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
  2. Add Lentils and Spices: To the pan, add the red lentils, cumin, curry powder, and chilli powder. Pour in the boiling water and crumble in the vegetable stock pot or cube. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
  4. Add Lemon Juice: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a fresh citrus note.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with optional fresh coriander, chilli flakes, a drizzle of olive oil, or crispy fried onions for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

  • If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the soup partially or fully before serving.
  • Adjust chilli powder and flakes according to your spice preference.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of stock cubes for a cleaner flavor.
  • This soup pairs well with warm flatbreads or crusty bread.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Iraqi Lentil Soup, red lentil soup, vegan soup, Middle Eastern soup, easy lentil recipe

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/iraqi-lentil-soup-recipe/