Shorbet Ads (Egyptian Red Lentil Soup)
Local name: شوربة عدس
In short: Smooth golden soup of red lentils, onion, carrot, garlic and cumin, finished with lemon juice and crisp fried onions. Simple, cheap and filling. 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
- 260 kcal
Shorbet ads is the soup many Egyptians reach for on a cold day or at sunset during Ramadan. Split red or yellow lentils cook down with onion, carrot, garlic and cumin into a smooth golden purée, and a squeeze of lemon lifts the earthy flavor. A spoonful of crisp fried onion on top adds sweetness and crunch. It takes under an hour and costs very little.
Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion and carrot for 6 minutes, until soft and just starting to color, then stir in the garlic, cumin and turmeric for 30 seconds.
- Add the lentils and water and bring to a boil, skimming off any foam. Reduce the heat, partly cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, until the lentils are completely soft and falling apart.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth, or in batches in a countertop blender with the lid held down by a towel. Add a splash of hot water if it is too thick.
- Stir in the salt, pepper and lemon juice, and simmer for 3 more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- For the topping, heat 3 tbsp oil in a small pan and fry the sliced onion for 10 to 12 minutes, until deep golden and crisp at the edges.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, spoon over the fried onions and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Tips
- Rinse the lentils until the water runs clear and skim the foam as it rises. This gives a cleaner taste and a smoother soup.
- The soup thickens as it stands, so keep hot water nearby to loosen it when you reheat. It freezes well for up to 3 months.
Questions and answers
Can I use brown or green lentils?
Yes, but they take 35 to 45 minutes to soften and give a darker, earthier soup. Red or yellow split lentils cook faster and blend the smoothest.
Is Egyptian lentil soup vegan?
Yes, as written. It uses oil and water, and the flavor comes from onion, garlic, cumin and lemon. If you add a bouillon cube, check the label, because some contain animal products.
How do I make the soup creamier?
Blend it for longer and add a small diced potato or a spoonful of rice to the pot. The starch gives a silkier body without any cream.
How long does it take to make Shorbet Ads (Egyptian Red Lentil Soup)?
About 55 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Shorbet Ads (Egyptian Red Lentil Soup)?
About 260 kcal per serving, with 11 g of protein, 32 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 260 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
