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Hearty Lebanese Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

Hearty Lebanese Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

Hearty Lebanese Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe is warm, filling and full of flavor. It is perfect for cold days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Lebanese
Servings 6
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 1 cup red lentils rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup fresh spinach optional

Instructions
 

Heat the Oil

  • Place a large pot on medium heat. Add olive oil. Let it warm for one minute before adding vegetables.

Cook the Onion

  • Add chopped onion to the pot. Stir well. Cook for five minutes until soft and light golden.

Add Garlic and Carrots

  • Put minced garlic and diced carrots into the pot. Stir and cook for three minutes until fragrant.

Add the Spices

  • Add cumin, turmeric, salt and black pepper. Stir for one minute so spices release their aroma.

Add Lentils

  • Pour in the rinsed red lentils. Stir everything together so lentils are coated with spices and oil.

Pour the Broth

  • Slowly add chicken broth to the pot. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Simmer the Soup

  • Reduce heat to low. Cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are soft.

Add the Chicken

  • Add shredded cooked chicken to the pot. Stir well and cook for five more minutes.

Add Spinach

  • If using spinach, add it now. Stir and cook for two minutes until wilted and soft.

Add Lemon Juice

  • Turn off the heat. Add fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to mix the bright flavor into the soup.

Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve warm in bowls and enjoy your homemade comfort soup.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for richer flavor. They stay juicy and tender.
  • Blend half of the soup for creamy texture. Leave the rest chunky.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for light heat.
  • Use brown lentils if red lentils are not available. Cook longer if needed.
  • Add potatoes for extra thickness and heartiness.
  • Replace chicken with chickpeas for vegetarian version.
  • Always add lemon at the end. It keeps the flavor fresh.
  • Taste before serving. Adjust salt and lemon as needed.
Keyword Hearty Lebanese Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe