Welcome to the heartwarming world of Lebanese cuisine with this exquisite Lebanese Lentil Soup, famously known as “Shorbet Adas” or “Shorbet al Hamed” (meaning sour soup). This classic brown lentil soup is a staple in Middle Eastern households, cherished for its nourishing qualities and vibrant, zesty lemon notes. It’s the perfect solution for an easy, satisfying meatless dinner, and equally wonderful for meal prep, providing wholesome lunches throughout the week. Rich in flavor and incredibly comforting, this soup embodies the essence of simple, wholesome cooking.
While you’re exploring comforting soups, you might also want to try this Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup – a true weeknight lifesaver! It’s cozy, deeply comforting, and incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it another fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
Lentils are a celebrated ingredient across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, valued for their affordability, ease of preparation, and remarkable ability to provide sustained fullness. Beyond the familiar Egyptian Red Lentil Soup, a recipe I shared years ago, this particular Lebanese rendition stands out by utilizing hearty brown lentils and fresh chard, creating a distinct flavor and texture profile that is both earthy and bright. This dish showcases how simple, humble ingredients can be transformed into a truly exceptional meal, reflecting the culinary wisdom passed down through generations.
Lebanese cuisine, renowned for its fresh ingredients and aromatic spices, often features legumes as a cornerstone of its healthy diet. Brown lentils, in particular, are favored for their ability to hold their shape during cooking while imparting a robust, nutty flavor. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals, making this soup not just delicious but also incredibly beneficial for your health. The addition of chard brings a subtle bitterness and a wealth of vitamins, complementing the lentils beautifully and elevating the soup from a simple stew to a vibrant, nutrient-dense meal.
Preparing Shorbet al Hamed is more than just cooking; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with the enticing aromas of sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. The harmonious blend of these ingredients with the earthy lentils and tart lemon creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and invigorating. This recipe is not just food; it’s a taste of Lebanese heritage, offering warmth and nourishment in every spoonful. It’s a perfect dish for cooler weather or any time you crave a wholesome, satisfying, and flavorful meal.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Authentic Lebanese Lentil Soup
- A Wholesome & Nutritious Vegan Delight: This recipe delivers a powerfully healthy and nutritious vegan lentil soup. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber from the brown lentils, and vital vitamins from the chard and potatoes, it’s a complete meal that supports a balanced diet without compromising on taste. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a hearty, meatless option that feels indulgent yet is incredibly good for you.
- Effortless & Accessible Ingredients: You’ll appreciate how easy and simple this recipe is to prepare, using ingredients readily available in most local grocery stores. No obscure spices or specialty items are needed, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights or impromptu meal planning. The beauty lies in the simplicity of quality ingredients coming together.
- Incredibly Versatile & Adaptable: This soup is remarkably forgiving and serves as an excellent vehicle for incorporating a variety of other vegetables you might have on hand. Feel free to experiment with diced carrots, celery, spinach, or even bell peppers. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity and customization, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or what’s in season.
- The Earthy Essence of Chard: The inclusion of sliced chard leaves is highly recommended, as it imparts a unique, slightly earthy, and subtly bitter dimension to the soup. This distinctive flavor profile perfectly balances the richness of the lentils and the brightness of the lemon, adding depth and complexity that sets this Lebanese lentil soup apart from other variations.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Beyond being a delightful dinner, this soup is perfect for meal prepping. Its flavors meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious on subsequent days. Prepare a large batch at the start of the week for easy, healthy lunches or quick dinners, saving you time and effort.
📝 Essential Ingredients for Shorbet al Hamed
Note: This is an overview of the key ingredients. You’ll find the full measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Dry Brown Lentils: The star of the show. Brown lentils are robust and hold their shape well, providing a satisfying texture and rich, earthy flavor. They are packed with protein and fiber.
- High-Quality Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the aromatics and adding a layer of healthy fat and authentic Mediterranean flavor to the soup base.
- Onion: A foundational aromatic that provides sweetness and depth once sautéed until fragrant.
- Fresh Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic kick that is crucial to the soup’s flavor profile. Use fresh for the best results.
- Chard (specifically Swiss Chard): This leafy green vegetable is a signature ingredient, lending a distinctive earthy note and vibrant color. Both the stems and leaves can be used.
- Russet Potato: Diced potatoes contribute to the soup’s heartiness and provide a subtle starchy thickness, giving it body and comfort.
- Ground Cumin: A cornerstone spice in Middle Eastern cuisine, cumin brings warmth and a savory aroma that beautifully complements the lentils.
- Dried Mint: This might seem unusual but is a traditional Lebanese touch that adds an incredibly fresh, aromatic, and slightly sweet counterbalance to the savory elements.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: The “hamed” (sour) element that defines this soup. Added at the end, it provides a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness and invigorates the palate.
- Vegetable Stock or Water: The liquid base for the soup. While water works perfectly for a simpler, lighter broth, vegetable stock can add an extra layer of savory depth.
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions for Lebanese Lentil Soup
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed steps for perfect execution are in the comprehensive recipe card below.
- Cook the Lentils: In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, combine your rinsed brown lentils with approximately 3 cups of water or vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the lentils simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Throughout this initial cooking phase, periodically check the liquid level and add more water if necessary to ensure the lentils remain fully submerged and cook evenly. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Prepare the Potato and Chard Mixture: While the lentils are simmering and approximately halfway through their cooking time (around the 10-minute mark), begin preparing your aromatic vegetable base. Heat the olive oil in a separate large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, usually about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Potatoes: Introduce the minced garlic to the skillet with the softened onions. Continue to sauté for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the peeled and diced russet potatoes to the skillet. Stir well to coat them in the oil and aromatics, cooking for about 5 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften and develop a light golden hue.
- Incorporate the Chard: Add the chopped chard leaves to the skillet with the onion, garlic, and potatoes. Stir the mixture continuously, allowing the chard to wilt down. This usually takes another 5 minutes, as the chard’s volume will significantly reduce and its vibrant color will deepen.
- Combine and Season: Carefully transfer the sautéed potato and chard mixture from the skillet into the pot with the simmering lentils. Stir everything together gently to combine. Now, add the salt, ground cumin, and dried mint to the soup. If the soup appears too thick or you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water or vegetable broth at this stage, stirring to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Final Simmer: Allow the entire soup to continue simmering gently for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender and the flavors have fully melded. Just before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or lemon juice to achieve your desired balance of flavors. Serve hot and enjoy!
Instant Pot Instructions for Lebanese Lentil Soup
For a quicker, one-pot solution, the Instant Pot is your best friend:
- Sauté Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the “Saute” setting. Add olive oil, then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until fragrant and softened. Press the “Cancel” button to turn off the sauté function.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the dry brown lentils, diced russet potatoes, chopped chard, salt, ground cumin, dried mint, and 6-7 cups of water or vegetable broth to the Instant Pot. Stir everything together. Ensure that the total liquid and ingredients do not exceed the maximum fill line of your pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 8 minutes on high pressure.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a Quick Release by turning the valve to the “Venting” position. Allow all the pressure to release until the float valve drops.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick and flavorful Lebanese lentil soup.
Slow Cooker Instructions for Shorbet al Hamed
For a hands-off approach that develops deep flavors:
- Sauté (Optional but Recommended): For best flavor, quickly sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a separate skillet over the stove top with olive oil until fragrant. This step can be skipped for ultimate simplicity, but it does enhance the depth of flavor.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Add the sautéed aromatics (if used), dry brown lentils, diced russet potatoes, chopped chard, salt, ground cumin, dried mint, and 6-7 cups of water or vegetable broth to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook: Cover and cook on “High” for 2-3 hours, or on “Low” for 5-6 hours, or until the lentils and potatoes are fully cooked and tender. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust any seasonings as needed. This method yields a wonderfully tender and flavorful soup with minimal effort.
🧺 Storage Tips for Lebanese Lentil Soup
- Refrigeration: Place any leftover lentil soup in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep beautifully for up to 5 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency, as lentils can absorb liquid as they sit.
- Freezing: This soup, unfortunately, does not freeze particularly well. The potatoes and lentils can become mushy and lose their desirable texture upon thawing, which diminishes the overall quality of the soup. For the best experience, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh or within a few days of refrigeration.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions for This Hearty Soup
Lebanese Lentil Soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it truly shines when paired with certain accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.
This soup is wonderfully versatile and pairs excellently with:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or pita bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth and soaking up all the deliciousness.
- Fluffy Rice: Serve it alongside a bed of perfectly cooked Basmati Rice for a more substantial meal, especially if you’re looking for extra carbohydrates.
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: For an added layer of flavor and crunch, try serving it with crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread. The garlic notes complement the soup beautifully.
- Fresh Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley adds a burst of freshness and color. Extra lemon wedges on the side allow everyone to add more zesty brightness to their liking.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a lemon-tahini dressing can offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
👩🍳 Creative Variations to Customize Your Lentil Soup
While this Lebanese lentil soup recipe is delightful as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste and dietary preferences:
- Add Protein: Although traditionally vegan, you can easily incorporate leftover shredded chicken, cooked ground beef, or even lamb to make it a meatier soup. For a plant-based protein boost, crumbled plant-based meat substitutes or additional chickpeas can be stirred in during the final cooking stage.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Aleppo pepper can be added with the cumin for a subtle warmth.
- Different Greens: If chard isn’t available, other sturdy greens like spinach, kale, or even collard greens can be used. Just be mindful of their cooking times and adjust accordingly. Spinach, for instance, will wilt much faster.
- Root Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional content and flavor by adding other diced root vegetables such as carrots or celery alongside the potatoes. They add sweetness and texture.
- Herb Variations: While dried mint is traditional, fresh mint, cilantro, or parsley can be added as a garnish at the end for an extra burst of fresh flavor. A touch of fresh thyme can also be a delightful addition.
- Thickening Options: The traditional Lebanese method sometimes includes dissolving 1 tablespoon of flour in ¼ cup of cold water and adding it to the mixture in the last step to slightly thicken the soup. If you prefer a richer, thicker consistency, this can be an excellent option.
📣 Explore More Related Soup Recipes
If you love hearty and flavorful soups, don’t miss these other delicious recipes from my collection:
- Check out this Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi), a creamy and vibrant soup that’s incredibly easy to make and bursting with authentic Turkish flavors. It’s a comforting bowl that’s perfect for any time of year.
- For a truly hearty and filling option, this Instant Pot Beef and Barley Soup is a must-try. It’s so simple to prepare in the Instant Pot, delivering tender beef, wholesome barley, and rich broth with minimal effort.
- Need a warm, filling, and nourishing bowl with exotic spices? Try this Moroccan Harira Soup. A comforting combination of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, fresh herbs, and lamb (or a vegetarian alternative), all spiced up to create a deliciously aromatic and satisfying stew that’s often enjoyed during Ramadan.
- This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup is a warm and comforting dish that comes together in minutes for a delicious warm meal. Featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables cooked in a flavorful broth, it’s the perfect dinner to warm you up.
- Another fantastic Instant Pot creation, Instant Pot Chicken Potato Soup delivers tender potatoes and succulent chicken in a savory broth. This recipe is designed for ease and flavor, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
- For a quick and incredibly versatile pasta soup, this Instant Pot Tortellini Soup recipe is made with fresh pasta and vegetables in less than 30 minutes. It’s easy to make and highly adaptable to accommodate your personal taste preferences with different vegetables or protein.
More Irresistible Middle Eastern Recipes
Delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern flavors with these incredible dishes:
- Need more authentic Lebanese recipes? Try this Sfiha Recipe, one of the wonderful savory pastries from the Levant area. These delicious meat pies are perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.
- Koshari is a delightful and unique Vegetarian Egyptian street food dish featuring a medley of rice, pasta, and lentils, all topped with a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions. Learn how to make Koshari like a pro with this easy-to-follow recipe.
- Try this delicious and easy-to-follow Lebanese Rice recipe, which features vermicelli pasta toasted to perfection before cooking with rice. It’s the perfect side dish for any Middle Eastern meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or toasted pine nuts to boost flavors and add elegance.
- If you’re craving a taste of the Middle East, this Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice) recipe will transport you to culinary bliss with its impressive layers of flavorful goodness. It’s a celebratory dish that’s as beautiful to behold as it is delicious to eat.
- Experience Lebanese cuisine’s rich flavors and simple cooking with this Lebanese Mujadara Recipe. This budget-friendly rice and lentil dish is topped with tasty caramelized onions, offering a quick, easy, and satisfying dinner that highlights the versatility of lentils.
I genuinely hope you’ll adore this Lebanese Lentil Soup recipe! If you do make this dish, please snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I absolutely love seeing your wonderful creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! Your culinary adventures inspire me.
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Lebanese Lentil Soup
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Ingredients
- 1 cup (190g) dry brown lentils
- 6-7 cups tap water or vegetable stock.
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (165g) onion diced.
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 cups (170g) fresh Swiss chard cut and prepared
- 1 teaspoon salt or to your liking.
- 2-3 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ Tablespoon dry mint
- 2 russet potatoes about 500g, peeled and diced.
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
Optional:
- Lemon wedges for serving.
- Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- In a large, deep pot, add 1 cup of dry brown lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the lentils simmer for about 20 minutes, or until partially tender. Check the liquid level after about 14 minutes and add more water if the lentils are not fully submerged.
- While the lentils are cooking (after about 10 minutes), start preparing the potato and chard mixture in a separate skillet.
- In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the diced potato to the skillet and stir to sauté for approximately another 5 minutes, allowing them to start softening.
- Stir in the chopped chard and continue cooking the mixture for about 5 more minutes, or until the chard has wilted down significantly.
- Transfer the sautéed chard and potato mixture into the pot with the simmering lentils. Stir in the salt, ground cumin, and dried mint. Add more water or broth if needed to achieve your desired soup consistency.
- Continue cooking the soup on medium-low heat for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the lentils are fully cooked. Just before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Video
Notes
- The 3 cups (170g) of fresh Swiss chard typically equate to 1 large bunch. Ensure you rinse the chard thoroughly under cold water. Separate the green leafy parts from the stems, then chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. The stems can also be chopped and added with the onions for extra texture and nutrients, though this is optional.
- For a slightly thicker soup, a traditional Lebanese technique involves dissolving 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour in ¼ cup of cold water. This slurry can be stirred into the soup during the final cooking step to achieve a richer, thicker consistency.
Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy for detailed information.
Nutrition Information
This recipe was first published on February 14, 2020, and last updated on January 17, 2023, with important tips, clear step-by-step instructions, and improved readability to ensure the best possible cooking experience.
👩🏫 My Culinary Journey and Experience with Lebanese Lentil Soup
I would like to clarify that I initially learned this wonderful recipe from a dear Lebanese friend, and it is widely recognized and shared as such across the internet. I understand that the tradition of preparing similar lentil soups may have roots and variations that have spread throughout the Levant region, including Syria, Palestine, and other neighboring countries. These regions often share culinary traditions, and a similar recipe might exist under a different name or with slight local adaptations. However, for the scope of this particular presentation, it is attributed as Lebanese until further notes specify otherwise. Please understand that no offense is intended by this attribution; it simply reflects the origin of my personal experience with the recipe.
This particular version is crafted as a delightful vegan lentil soup. My initial preparation focused on using water as the primary liquid base to keep it simple and highlight the natural flavors of the vegetables and lentils. However, it’s worth noting that many people enjoy adding vegetable broth or even chicken broth for an extra layer of savory depth. I’ve personally experimented with various additions, and this recipe remains incredibly flexible. You can effortlessly incorporate a range of vegetables, such as diced carrots and celery, to boost its nutritional value and introduce different textures and flavors.
The true distinguishing feature and a core delight of this soup lie in its intensely bright and invigorating lemony taste. Unlike some soups where lemon might be an optional garnish, here, the lemon is a fundamental element. While some lemon juice is thoughtfully added towards the end of the cooking process to infuse the soup with its signature tang, the most authentic and beloved way to enjoy this dish is by adding generous amounts of fresh lemon juice directly to your individual bowl just before eating. This personal touch allows each diner to customize the level of zesty brightness, creating a truly exhilarating and deeply satisfying experience. Oh, and trust me, it is incredibly good and wonderfully tasty with that extra squeeze of fresh lemon!