Best 7 Afghan Lentil Soup Recipes

TURKISH RED LENTIL 'BRIDE' SOUP

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Cook the onions in the hot butter until they are golden brown, about 15 minutes.
• Stir the paprika, lentils, and bulgur into the onions and coat with the butter.
• Add the tomato paste, vegetable stock, and cayenne pepper; bring to a boil and cook until soft and creamy, about 1 hour.
• Crumble the dried mint leaves into the soup; stir the soup and remove from heat.
• Ladle into bowls and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint to serve.

LEBANESE-STYLE RED LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Bring chicken stock and lentils to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic and onion, and cook until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 3 minutes.
• Stir onions into the lentils and season with cumin and cayenne. Continue simmering until the lentils are tender, about 10 minutes.
• Carefully puree the soup in a standing blender, or with a stick blender until smooth. Stir in cilantro and lemon juice before serving.

MIDDLE EASTERN LENTIL SOUP RECIPE

Steps:

• In a soup pot heat olive oil on medium. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until onion is translucent. Add 4 cups of broth and the lentils. Bring to a boil and cook until the vegetables are tender. Add cumin, salt, and allspice. Turn down heat to low and allow to simmer for about 30-40 minutes.
• Using an immersion blender blend solids thoroughly.
• Add the remaining broth and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
• Add the lemon juice and additional salt to taste.

MIDDLE EASTERN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a pan and gently fry the chopped onions for 5 minutes.
• Add the chopped garlic, turmeric and cumin and continue cooking for a few minutes more.
• Stir in the lentils, add the stock and cook for 35 minutes. Stir several times during cooking, especially towards the end, to prevent lentils from sticking to base of pan.
• Toss in parsley, stir in lemon juice and leave to cook for 2-3 minutes more.
• No blending is necessary unless you want it really smooth.
• Serve with chunks of crusty bread.

RED LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the ginger and heat, stirring, for about a minute. Add the ground cumin and stir another 30 seconds.
• Add the onion and carrots and cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.
• Add the lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the lentils are soft.
• Remove from heat and puree with an immersion blender (or in batches in a blender or food processor). Add salt and pepper to taste, although I usually do not add any.
• Add a squeeze of lemon in each serving, if you wish - I find that it adds a bright note.
• Note: A spoonful of plain yogurt is a nice addition.

MASHAWA - A SIMPLE, DELICIOUS AFGHANI SOUP

Steps:

• Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a deep, heavy pot, add onions and brown for 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute for another 2 minutes. Add the broth, tomato paste, salt, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, vanilla bean powder, pepper, and adzuki beans to the pot. Stir well. Bring to a boil and then turn the heat to low and cook for 25-35 minutes until the beans are soft.
• In the meantime, rinse the canned beans in a colander then add the beans to the pot. Cook for 5-8 minutes. Add last of the olive oil, then add spinach. Taste and adjust seasonings to taste. Allow spinach a couple of minutes to soften and blend into the soup.
• Mix the yogurt, garlic and salt. Stir until creamy.
• Serve hot in a large bowl with a dollop of yogurt mixture and a piece of naan or flat bread.

RED LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Combine the lentils, garlic, chile, ginger, onions, tomatoes and enough water to cover in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then lower the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Whisk the cooked lentils to release some of their starch and break them down further.
• Warm the oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook until they are sizzling and spluttering. Stir in the paprika and turmeric. Pour the seasoned oil onto the lentils (be prepared for a big sizzle). Stir to combine; sprinkle with salt and a small drizzle of honey. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with cilantro, a drizzle of yogurt, lemon or lime wedges.