Warm your soul with this comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup
Food is a universal language that has the power to bring people together. Every culture has its own unique cuisine and flavors that tell a story about the traditions and history of its people. As an Israeli chef, I love to explore different culinary traditions from around the world and bring them to my kitchen.
Today, I want to share with you my recipe for Moroccan Lentil Soup with Yogurt. This dish is inspired by the amazing flavors and aromas of Morocco. The rich blend of spices, herbs, and vegetables creates a warm and comforting soup that will transport your taste buds straight to North Africa.
I often find myself craving hearty soups during the colder months, and this recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for a cozy night in. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced chef, this recipe is easy to follow and will leave you with delicious results.
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking! Together, we will discover the amazing flavors of Moroccan cuisine and create a dish that will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready to explore the rich flavors of North African cuisine? Look no further than this amazing Moroccan Lentil Soup with Yogurt recipe. Trust me; you won’t regret it.
If you’re a lover of comfort food, then this soup is bound to win your heart with its hearty and satisfying quality. The combination of the red lentils and chickpea makes for a filling soup that will leave you feeling full and satisfied for hours on end.
What about spice? This recipe has you covered. With aromatic spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin, it is sure to tantalize your taste buds and make your kitchen smell divine.
Not convinced yet? How about the fact that it’s vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and utterly delicious? Whether you’re a hardcore carnivore or a plant-based enthusiast, this soup has something for everyone.
And let’s not forget about the yogurt. The plain yogurt adds an extra creaminess to the soup while also providing a tangy contrast to the earthy flavors of the spices. The fried onions served on top will give an exciting crunch that will perfectly complement the smoothness of the yogurt.
So whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a special event, this Moroccan Lentil Soup with Yogurt recipe will wow your guests and their taste buds alike. Don’t hesitate to try it out and get prepared to fall in love with Moroccan cuisine!
Ingredient List
To create this amazing Moroccan Lentil Soup with Yogurt, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Red lentil, 1 cup
- Chicken broth, 4 cups
- Garlic cloves, 5 finely chopped
- Onion, 1 medium finely chopped
- Carrot, 1 finely chopped
- Tomatoes, 2 peeled and chopped
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
- Bay leaf, 1 dried
- Ground cumin, 1 teaspoon
- Paprika, 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For the topping:
– Fried onions
– Plain yogurt
– Chopped fresh cilantro
– Chopped fresh parsley
– Chopped green onions*
You can find most of these items at your local grocery store, but if you’re having trouble finding something, try an online specialty food store or a farmer’s market. Make sure your ingredients are as fresh as possible for the best results!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe itself! This Moroccan Lentil Soup with Yogurt is so easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s what you need to do:
Prep the Vegetables
Start by peeling and chopping the onion and carrot. Peel and mince 3 cloves of garlic. With all of your prep work finished, bring out a large pot (or dutch oven) that is suitable for holding soup.
Cook the Vegetables and Lentils
Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil then place the pot over medium-high heat. Once heated, add in your chopped onions along with a bay leaf. Cook for around 5 minutes until they start to brown slightly.
Next, add in the chopped carrot and minced garlic then stir everything together. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Add in 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric and ginger along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute or two while stirring regularly so everything is well-mixed.
Pour in a can of diced tomatoes, juice and all- scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot then mix in one cup of red lentils.
To this, add three cups of chicken broth, or vegetable stock if preferred. Add water as needed to completely cover everything.
Bring it to a boil then reduce to low simmer. Leave it uncovered but stir occasionally for around 20 minutes until lentils become tender.
Blend or Serve As Is
You may now remove the bay leaf from your soup then blend it together by using a blender or hand-held immersion blender until it becomes creamy in texture. You have now made Moroccan Lentil Soup!
Serve with Yogurt and Fried Onions
Serve yourself a bowl of soup topped with fresh cilantro, parsley or sliced green onions along with some chilli fried onions on top – this adds an amazing crunch! You may also serve your soup alongside plain yogurt if desired. Enjoy!
With amazing flavor that reminds us of Morocco; sweet potatoes, chickpeas, kale, spinach or even quinoa make great additions to switching it up as well – enjoy exploring different variations that are also gluten-free!
Substitutions and Variations
Cooking is a creative process where you can use your intuition and make adjustments, so don’t be afraid to switch things up and try different ingredients. I’ve got some substitutions and variations for you to consider that will add new flavors and make this Moroccan Lentil Soup with Yogurt recipe even more satisfying.
Substitute red lentils- You could swap the red lentils for brown or green lentils if that’s what you have available. Please note that brown or green lentils might take longer to cook than red lentils, so add some extra cooking time accordingly.
Change up the spices- If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, adjust the quantities of each spice used in this recipe based on your preferences. Try substituting a pinch of nutmeg or allspice instead of cinnamon to give it a different flavor profile.
Switch out the vegetables- You could add sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or carrots to your soup recipe. These veggies will make the dish more hearty and filling. Some fresh garden spinach will add a nutritious touch too.
Try chickpeas – If you fancy trying something different other than lentils, substitute them with chickpeas for an added texture and protein boost!
Make it vegetarian- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth to create a vegetarian variation.
Have fun with toppings- Don’t forget the garnishes and toppings! Fresh cilantro, parsley, green onions or even chilli flakes could be added for a little bit of extra flavour!. Fried onions also known as ‘crispy onions’ are now widely available in packets in most grocery stores – try them on top!
There are countless ways to make changes to this Moroccan Lentil Soup with Yogurt recipe, so experiment and have some fun creating your own delicious variations.
Serving and Pairing
Like every good soup, Moroccan lentil soup with yogurt has its ideal pairing. Serve this amazing Moroccan lentil soup right out of the pot while still steaming and hot with a dollop of plain yogurt on top. The coldness and creaminess of the yogurt provide a perfect balance to the warm and spicy flavor of the soup.
If you are looking for a little bit more kick, you can try topping it off with some chili fried onions. The sweet and spicy flavor of fried onions mixed with the creamy tanginess of yogurt completes this dish brilliantly.
This lentil soup is perfect as an appetizer or even as a light main course for lunch or dinner. You can also serve it with fresh crusty bread or pita bread for dipping or simply crumble some bread on top for added texture.
The freshness of herbs such as cilantro, parsley or green onions can be added either chopped on top or served on the side as a garnish. These herbs help to balance out the richness of the lentils and provide extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.
Finally, pair this lentil soup with a fruity but crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc, chardonnay or pinot gris. You can also try pairing it with a red blend like Châteauneuf-du-Pape which complements the bold flavors and spices in this dish.
Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Moroccan lentil soup is that it can be made ahead of time and reheated whenever you want a warm, comforting meal. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for those busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook.
To make ahead, simply follow the recipe as directed, but stop before adding the yogurt and fresh herbs. Instead, let the soup cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat the soup, simply transfer it to a pot and gently heat it over medium-low heat until it’s warmed through. If necessary, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin out the soup if it has thickened while refrigerated or frozen.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of plain yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and some green onions or fried onions. For an extra kick of flavor, you can even top it with some chili-fried onions.
Whether enjoyed right away or savored later on, this Moroccan lentil soup with yogurt is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your taste buds. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, it’s definitely worth making ahead and having on hand whenever you need it!
Tips for Perfect Results
As an experienced chef who has prepared this Moroccan lentil soup several times, I have some practical insights on how to achieve the perfect taste of this dish. In this section, I will share with you some tips that will make your cooking experience much easier and the outcome much more rewarding.
1. Keep an eye on the lentils
When cooking red lentils, it’s essential to keep an eye on them because they tend to get soft and disintegrate quite easily. You don’t want your soup to be a mushy mess! To avoid this, make sure to cook them just until they are tender, but not overcooked.
2. Use fresh ingredients
One of the secrets to creating amazing Moroccan lentil soup is using fresh ingredients, especially aromatic herbs like cilantro and parsley. The flavor profile of these herbs is essential to completing the recipe, so make sure they are as fresh as possible.
3. Add salt carefully
When it comes to seasoning the soup with salt, go slowly at first, and adjust as needed. Lentils have a natural sweetness that can be easily overpowered by salty seasoning.
4. Don’t rush the frying onions
Fried onions create a delicious topping for your soup’s presentation and texture. But sometimes it can be tempting to turn up the heat for quicker cooking time – this is a recipe for disaster! Fried onions need slow cooking over low heat until golden brown in color.
5. Take advantage of chickpeas
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to add more flavor and protein to your soup leftovers, consider – adding canned or cooked chickpeas – which would make an excellent addition! To utilize chickpeas correctly, add them to the pot towards the end of the cooking process (last 10 minutes) of your amazing Moroccan lentil chickpea soup.
By following these tips, you will have a delicious Moroccan lentil soup that looks and tastes terrific!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Moroccan Lentil Soup with Yogurt recipe is great for so many reasons. It is healthy, hearty, and filling, perfect for any meal of the day. With its delicious combination of spices and flavors, it is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
By following my simple instructions and tips, you can create an amazing Moroccan lentil soup that will be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you are looking to try something new or just want to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to please.
So why not give it a try today? You won’t regret it!
Moroccan Lentil Soup with Yogurt Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 spinach, leaves (use large ones)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 carrot, scraped and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup red lentil
- 1 cup tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fine egg noodles, uncooked
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- Remove the stems from the spinach; wash the leaves thoroughly, and pat dry. Cut into thin strips. Set aside.
- Saute onion in olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until tender. Add the sliced carrot and garlic, and saute, stirring constantly, until crisp-tender. Add the chicken broth and the next 13 ingredients (up to the salt -- leave out the noodles, reserved spinach, and yogurt). Bring to a boil. Partially cover, and reduce heat. Simmer 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the reserved spinach and noodles; cook, partially covered, 7 minutes or until noodles are done. (Depends on the noodles you picked!). Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Ladle soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of yogurt.