Shorbat Adas (Red Lentil Soup with Cumin and Lemon)
Local name: شوربة عدس
In short: A smooth golden soup of red lentils, onion, carrot and potato warmed with cumin and garlic, finished with lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 230 kcal
Shorbat adas is the soup most Syrian families make first when the weather turns cold, and it opens the iftar meal during Ramadan. Red lentils melt into a smooth, golden base with onion, carrot and potato. Cumin and garlic give it warmth, and the final squeeze of lemon lifts the whole pot. It costs very little, keeps well and is just as good the next day.
Instructions
- Heat the 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion and carrot for 8 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the garlic, cumin and turmeric and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the lentils, potato, water and salt. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then lower the heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until the lentils have collapsed and the vegetables are soft.
- Blend with a hand blender until smooth, or leave a few chunks if you like. Add hot water to loosen if it is too thick.
- Stir in the pepper and lemon juice and taste for salt. Serve in warm bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon wedges.
Tips
- Add a handful of chopped spinach or a spoonful of chili flakes in the last 5 minutes. Both are common house variations.
- Serve with toasted pita or croutons for a crisp contrast. Brown lentils work too, but cook them for 45 minutes and blend only half.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze lentil soup?
Yes. Freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and add a little hot water when reheating, because lentil soups thicken as they sit.
Why is my lentil soup bitter or flat?
Add salt gradually and always finish with lemon juice, which brightens the flavor. Cook the cumin in oil briefly rather than adding it to the water.
Is this soup suitable for Ramadan?
Yes, it is the classic opener at iftar. It is gentle on an empty stomach and the lentils give lasting energy.
How long does it take to make Shorbat Adas (Red Lentil Soup with Cumin and Lemon)?
About 55 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Shorbat Adas (Red Lentil Soup with Cumin and Lemon)?
About 230 kcal per serving, with 11 g of protein, 31 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 230 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
