Lentil soup is one of the most common soups in Egypt. It is very tasty and healthy as well! Egyptians cook lentil soup a lot specially during the month of Ramadan. At least that what my mom made me think all those years in Egypt. I think my mom makes one of the best lentil soups ever, it is not too mushy and not too watery, the thickness is just right! Also, it has different spices like cumin, coriander, salt and pepper, so it is not plain at all. I love to make the lentil soup since it is one of the rare healthy dishes that my picky son eats. He does not see the vegetables so he simply eats it. I quit the vegetables battle with him for a week when I see him eats and enjoys that lentil soup 🙂
Ingredients
3 tomatoes
1 1/2 diced onions
5 peeled garlic cloves
1 chopped carrot of regular size or 5 mini ones
1 1/2 cup of red lentils
1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper
1/2 of a lime juice
1 teaspoon dried coriander (optional)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for darker orange color)

Soak the lentils in water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then throw this water and wash the lentils.
In a pot on a medium low heat, add the lentils, the carrots, the onions, the garlic, the tomatoes and the tomato paste (optional).
Cover all this with water as shown below in the picture.
Cook the lentils for about 40 mins, then add some salt, pepper to taste and the cumin.
Take it off heat and let it cool down then use your mixer and kill those big pieces of vegetables. (please, wait until it totally cools down so you do not get any burns)
Add the lime juice and put it back on low heat for 10 mins.
You could stop here and taste for more salt or pepper if needed. Or you can add the coriander and garlic step in the section below for the traditional Egyptian twist.




Traditional Egyptian Twist
In a pan on medium heat, put 1 tablespoon of oil or butter, add to it a mix of minced 2 garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of dried coriander. Stir for few seconds until golden color then add it to the soup and stir. If too thick, add little bit of water and adjust the salt and pepper. Enjoy!



You can also add the american twist and add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream 🙂