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Egyptian Lentil Soup (Shorbet Ads) Recipe

4.7 from 94 reviews

This Egyptian Lentil Soup, also known as Shorbet Ads, is a comforting and flavorful dish made with red lentils, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with optional garnishes such as coconut milk, fresh cilantro, crushed red pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. This wholesome soup is perfect for a nourishing meal any day of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 large carrot, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 medium shallots, roughly chopped

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups red lentils, washed and drained
  • 4 cups boiling water

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, more or less to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Coconut milk
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Crushed red pepper
  • Lemon juice
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Cut the large carrot into chunks, peel the garlic cloves, and chop the shallots into quarters. These vegetables will form the flavor base of the soup.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots, and carrot pieces. Cook them gently to soften, allowing their flavors to develop, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add lentils and spices: Add the red lentils, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together, cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom.
  4. Simmer the soup: Pour in the boiling water, stir the contents to combine. Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
  5. Puree the soup: Once the lentils are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend less or skip this step. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and add optional garnishes such as a swirl of coconut milk, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if the soup is too thick after blending.
  • For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
  • This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens the flavors.

Keywords: Egyptian Lentil Soup, Shorbet Ads, Lentil Soup, Red Lentils, Vegetarian Soup, Middle Eastern Soup, Stovetop Soup, Healthy Soup