This Yemeni Lentil Soup is a hearty dish made with brown lentils and packs vibrant spices like cumin & turmeric into a savory, tomato-based broth. Enjoy with crusty bread for a complete & delicious meal.
Tired of the same old lentil soup routine? Let me whisk you away on a flavor adventure to the vibrant streets of Yemen! This Yemeni Lentil Soup is not your grandma’s typical lentil soup recipe, oh no!
Yemeni Lentil Soup is much more than just a soup; it’s a celebration of flavors, a testament to tradition, and a symbol of hospitality in Yemeni culture. This soul-soothing dish is a simple yet sublime blend of lentils, aromatic spices, and a touch of love.
And the best part? This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it as a light starter, a hearty main course, or a comforting side dish. Its adaptability makes it perfect for any holiday gathering, whether hosting a cozy potluck or a festive feast.
Intrigued? Then grab your spoons and gather close because I’m about to share the secrets of this incredible Yemeni dish that will leave you wanting more…and more…and more!
Looking for a healthy yet indulgent meal? Try these: 10 Arabic Soup Recipes to Warm You Up.
Why You’ll Love Yemeni Lentil Soup
Indulge in the rich tapestry of Yemeni cuisine with a bowl of aromatic lentil soup. Bursting with flavors, this traditional dish embodies warmth, nourishment, and centuries-old culinary expertise. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this soup:
- Simplicity meets Flavor: With a handful of readily available ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, this recipe epitomizes the beauty of simplicity in cooking while delivering robust flavors.
- Nourishing and Satisfying: Packed with protein-rich brown lentils, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, this soup offers a wholesome and fulfilling meal that will satisfy your hunger and comfort your soul.
How to Make Yemeni Lentil Soup
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just a novice, this recipe guides you to creating a restaurant-worthy Yemeni Lentil Soup in the comfort of your kitchen. Get ready to simmer up a pot of pure magic and experience the depth of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Let’s gather the ingredients!
- Brown lentils, rinsed
- Unsweetened canned tomatoes, pureed
- Oil
- Onions, diced
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Turmeric
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Salt
- Water
- Green chili peppers (optional)
- Black pepper (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Bread or unsweetened yogurt for serving
To start, follow these simple steps!
- Prepare the Lentils: Thoroughly rinse the brown lentils under cold running water. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped green chili peppers (if using). Cook until the onions are translucent and slightly browned.
- Toast the Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to ensure even toasting without burning.
- Add Spices and Tomato: Stir in the pureed tomatoes, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper (if using). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add Water and Simmer: Pour in water and stir the mixture. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and let it simmer for about an hour or until the lentils are tender, adding more water if needed.
- Final Adjustments and Serving: Once the lentils are fully cooked and the soup reaches your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with bread or a dollop of unsweetened yogurt on the side.
Variations for Yemeni Lentil Soup
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the oil and use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Chunky Vegetable Addition: Add diced carrots, potatoes, or spinach to boost flavor and nutrition.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream towards the end of cooking for a creamy texture and subtle sweetness especially if you don’t like too much heat.
The Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Yemeni Lentil Soup
This versatile soup shines bright alongside various accompaniments:
- Fresh, warm bread: Crusty baguette, pita bread, or naan, soak up the delicious broth.
- Rice: Basmati rice or fluffy couscous create a satisfying base.
- Side salad: A refreshing salad adds a touch of brightness and crunch.
- Raita: Cool yogurt-based condiment complements the warmth of the soup.
How to Store Leftover Yemeni Lentil Soup
This soup is perfect for batch cooking and meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or freeze for longer-term storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Facts about Brown Lentils
- They are commonly used in a variety of cuisines around the world, including Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean dishes.
- Brown lentils are a type of legume that is a nutritional powerhouse packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- They are versatile and can be used in various dishes, from soups and stews to salads and dips.
- They have a rich, earthy flavor and a firm texture that holds up well in cooking, making them ideal for hearty dishes like Yemeni Lentil Soup.
Lentil Soup Straight from Yemen: A Delicious Recipe to Try!
Yemini Lentil Soup
This Yemeni Lentil Soup is a hearty dish made with brown lentils and packs vibrant spices like cumin & turmeric into a savory, tomato-based broth. Enjoy with crusty bread for a complete & delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry brown lentils, rinsed
- 3 tbsp. oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted canned tomatoes, pureed
- 1 1/2 onions, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp. coriander
- 1 1/2 tsp. turmeric
- 2 1/4 tsp. salt
- 6 cups of water, more if needed
- 3 chopped green chili peppers, adjust to taste, optional
- A pinch of black pepper, optional
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Bread or unsweetened yogurt, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water. Drain and set them aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat. Then, add the diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped green chili peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and slightly browned.
- Toast the Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and lightly toasted. Be careful not to burn them.
- Add Spices and Tomato: Stir in the pureed tomatoes, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper (if using). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add Water and Simmer: Pour in the water and stir the mixture. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 1 hour or until the lentils are completely soft. Check occasionally and add more water if the soup seems too thick or the lentils are not fully submerged.
- Final Adjustments: After the fully cooked lentils and the soup have reached your desired consistency, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with bread or a dollop of unsweetened yogurt on the side.
Notes
- Consistency should be thicker. It's closer to a stew than a soup.
- Soaking lentils for 2-3 hours in advance is a great way to shorten cooking time.
Common Questions about Yemeni Lentil Soup
- Can I use red lentils instead of brown lentils? While you can substitute red lentils, remember that they cook faster and may have a slightly different texture.
- Is Yemeni Lentil Soup spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference by varying the amount of green chili peppers or omitting them altogether.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by following the same steps and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the lentils are tender.
Explore the delicious flavors of Yemeni cuisine with this comforting and satisfying lentil soup recipe. Whether as a main course or a side dish, Yemeni Lentil Soup will become a favorite in your holiday recipe collection!