Print

Creamy Lebanese Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Crispy Caramelized Onions

creamy lebanese red lentil soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and creamy Lebanese red lentil soup topped with crispy caramelized onions, perfect for cozy nights and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) red lentils
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • Olive oil (for cooking and caramelizing onions)
  • Lemon juice (to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped, or a dollop of plain yogurt
  • For crispy caramelized onions topping:
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • Pinch of sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 2 large yellow onions. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and sugar. Stir occasionally and cook slowly for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add diced carrots, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, and ½ teaspoon turmeric. Stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices lightly.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  5. Rinse 1 cup of red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Add lentils and 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
  6. Blend the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully. Add water or broth if a thinner consistency is desired.
  7. Season with salt, black pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with crispy caramelized onions. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, verify broth ingredients. For dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter and substitute yogurt garnish with coconut cream or omit. Low and slow cooking is key for perfect caramelized onions. Add lemon juice last to preserve brightness. If soup thickens on standing, stir in broth or water before reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: red lentil soup, Lebanese soup, creamy lentil soup, caramelized onions, vegetarian soup, gluten-free soup, easy lentil soup, healthy soup

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-lebanese-red-lentil-soup-recipe-with-crispy-caramelized-onions-easy-and-delicious/