Middle Eastern Lentil Soup

 About ten years ago, I tried this soup at a restaurant. It was so delicious that I learnt the recipe and made a point to cook this soup at least once a week ever since. I have played with few versions until I settled with one that I have discribed here. Main ingredient being split pigeon lenthil, this soup is delicious source of protein. It has It’s simple yet delicious. I have recipes for instant pot and stove top.

It is a Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie recipe.

Ingredients:

1. Split Pigeon Lentil/ Yellow lentil/ toor dal - 1.5 Cup

2. Onion - 1 Medium 

3. Garlic - 2 cloves 

4. Turmeric - 1 TSP

5. Cumin Seeds - 1 TBSP

6. Vegetable Stock - 7 Cups

7. Lemon Juice - 2 TBS

8. Parsley - Handful

9. Salt - As per taste 

10. Peas - 1/4 Cup - Optional

11. Carrot - 1/4 Cup - Optional

12. Vegetable Oil - 1 TBSP

Method for Instant Pot:
1. Start Instant Pot in sauté mode for 5 min. Add oil and onion. Let onion become translucent.

2. Add finely chopped garlic, turmeric and cumin seeds. Stir in and give another 2/3 min to cook in a sauté mode.

3. Add lentil, vegetable stock, carrot, peas. I am using homemade vegetable broth. If you are using store bought, opt for low sodium. 

4. Close the lid. Set the vent to close. Start pressure cooker mode for 6 mins.

5. Once done, let the steam cool off say for 10 min. Open the lid, add salt and lemon juice. Serve with freshly chopped parsley on the top. If you like you can also add red chili powder , crushed black pepper. For me, parsley suffice.

Method for Stove Top:

1. In a thick bottom pot, add oil and onion. Stir it until onion is translucent; about 5 min.

2. Add finely chopped garlic, turmeric powder and cumin seeds. Stir in for another 2/3 min.

3. Add lentils, vegetable stock, carrot and peas. Cover with the lid with a small opening for 25-30 min. 

4. Add salt and lemon juice. Let the soup cook for another 4/5 min or until the lentil is cooked thoroughly. You won’t need to use blender as the lentil softener as you stir in the soup at this point. 

5. Soup is ready to serve with chopped parsley on the top.