Imagine a soup so vibrant and refreshing that it transports you straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Lebanon with just one spoonful. Adas Bil Hamod, the legendary Lebanese Lentil Lemon Soup, is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that combines hearty lentils, zesty lemon, and comforting vegetables into a dish that will revolutionize your understanding of soup. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests with this incredibly simple yet incredibly delicious traditional Lebanese recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Lebanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the green lentils thoroughly under cold water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and diced carrots to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the carrots begin to soften.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed green lentils. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Once lentils are cooked, remove the pot from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate the flavors evenly.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving hot.
Tips
- Lentil Selection Matters: Use fresh green lentils and rinse them thoroughly to remove any debris and reduce cooking time.
- Flavor Building: Take your time sautéing onions and garlic to develop a rich, deep base flavor for your soup.
- Liquid Consistency: Adjust vegetable broth quantity based on your preferred soup thickness. More broth for a lighter soup, less for a heartier texture.
- Lemon Magic: Add lemon juice at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, fresh flavor and prevent potential bitterness.
- Garnish Game: Elevate your soup with fresh parsley, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or even a sprinkle of sumac for an authentic Lebanese touch.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
