Moroccan Lentil Soup

Summary

Are you hunting for that perfect dish that’s healthy, hearty, and oh-so-flavorful? Dive right into the magical world of Moroccan Lentil Soup. This staple from the vibrant streets of Morocco is not just bursting with taste, but it’s also jam-packed with nutrients. Let’s cook up a storm, shall we?

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils (about 190g)
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin (about 5g)
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric (about 2.5g)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (about 2.5g)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (about 1.25g)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (about 950ml)
• 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes (about 400g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (about 30ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Preparation and Cooking Time: 55 minutes

Serves: 4

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 17g
• Sodium: 300mg

Instructions:

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot on medium heat.
2. Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent.
3. Throw in the garlic, stirring constantly for another minute.
4. Introduce the cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Cook this fragrant mix for 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and give everything a good mix.
6. Add the lentils and the vegetable broth next. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Let the Moroccan Lentil Soup come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 35-40 minutes. Your lentils should be tender by then.
8. Before serving, stir in the fresh cilantro, lemon zest, and juice. Adjust seasonings if needed.

Tips:

1. Using a quality vegetable broth can make a world of difference. It sets the base for our Moroccan Lentil Soup.
2. Feel like kicking up the heat a notch? Add a dash of cayenne pepper!
3. The longer you let it simmer, the richer the flavors become. But, always watch out not to overcook the lentils.
4. Lentils can absorb a lot of water. If your soup thickens too much upon standing, just add a bit more broth or water and adjust the seasonings.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your Moroccan Lentil Soup hot, accompanied by a slice of crusty bread to soak up all that goodness.
• For a zesty touch, you can garnish with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint.
• Pairing with a fresh green salad can balance the hearty soup for a complete meal.

FAQ
Here are 10 FAQs related to the Moroccan Lentil Soup recipe:

1. What kind of lentils are best for this Moroccan Lentil Soup recipe?
   Green lentils are recommended for this dish due to their firm texture. They hold their shape well after cooking, making them perfect for soups.
2. Can I use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth?
   Absolutely! While vegetable broth is traditionally used, you can opt for chicken or beef broth if you prefer a meatier flavor.
3. Is it necessary to soak the lentils before cooking?
   No, it’s not mandatory. However, soaking can reduce cooking time and help in better digestion.
4. Can I make this soup vegan or gluten-free?
   The recipe is already vegan. Ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free if you’re aiming for a completely gluten-free soup.
5. How can I store leftover Moroccan Lentil Soup?
   Allow the soup to cool completely and store it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4-5 days.
6. Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
   Yes! Combine all ingredients except cilantro, lemon zest, and juice in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
7. I don’t have smoked paprika. What can I substitute it with?
   Regular paprika can be used, but keep in mind that it won’t have the smoky flavor. You might also add a touch of liquid smoke or chipotle powder for that smoky hint.
8. Can I freeze Moroccan Lentil Soup?
   Certainly! This soup freezes well. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
9. What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
   Feel free to toss in veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just ensure they’re added at appropriate times so they don’t become too mushy.
10. The soup is too thick for my liking. How can I adjust its consistency?
    Simply add more broth or water until you achieve your desired consistency. Make sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

And there you have it, a bowl of warmth and nutrition straight from the heart of Morocco. This Moroccan Lentil Soup recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. On behalf of AH7, happy cooking and even happier eating! Remember, every spoonful is a step closer to a healthier, fitter you.

Moroccan Lentil Soup

Are you hunting for that perfect dish that’s healthy, hearty, and oh-so-flavorful? Dive right into the magical world of Moroccan Lentil Soup. This staple from the vibrant streets of Morocco is not just bursting with taste, but it’s also jam-packed with nutrients. Let’s cook up a storm, shall we?

5 from 1 vote

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Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Nutritions

Nutrition Facts

Moroccan Lentil Soup

Amount per Serving

Calories

260

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

4

g

6

%

Sodium

 

300

mg

13

%

Carbohydrates

 

40

g

13

%

Fiber

 

18

g

75

%

Protein

 

15

g

30

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Ingredients

• * 1 cup green lentils about 190g
• * 2 large carrots diced
• * 2 stalks celery diced
• * 1 large onion finely chopped
• * 2 cloves garlic minced
• * 1 tsp ground cumin about 5g
• * 1/2 tsp ground turmeric about 2.5g
• * 1/2 tsp smoked paprika about 2.5g
• * 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon about 1.25g
• * 4 cups vegetable broth about 950ml
• * 1 can 14 oz. diced tomatoes (about 400g)
• * 2 tbsp olive oil about 30ml
• * Salt and pepper to taste
• * A handful of fresh cilantro chopped
• * 1 lemon zested and juiced

Instructions

• Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot on medium heat.
• Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent.
• Throw in the garlic, stirring constantly for another minute.
• Introduce the cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Cook this fragrant mix for 2 minutes.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes and give everything a good mix.
• Add the lentils and the vegetable broth next. Season with salt and pepper.
• Let the Moroccan Lentil Soup come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 35-40 minutes. Your lentils should be tender by then.
• Before serving, stir in the fresh cilantro, lemon zest, and juice. Adjust seasonings if needed.

Notes

1. Using a quality vegetable broth can make a world of difference. It sets the base for our Moroccan Lentil Soup.
2. Feel like kicking up the heat a notch? Add a dash of cayenne pepper!
3. The longer you let it simmer, the richer the flavors become. But, always watch out not to overcook the lentils.
4. Lentils can absorb a lot of water. If your soup thickens too much upon standing, just add a bit more broth or water and adjust the seasonings.