Crushed Lentil Soup

Crushed Lentil Soup is a easy Middle Eastern recipe that serves 4. 136 calories per serving. Recipe by Feelgoodfoodie on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 2 min

Cost: $3.85 total, $0.96 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Red Lentils (Rinsed and drained)
  • 0.5 cup Long Grain Rice (Rinsed)
  • 2 medium Carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin, added before blending for creaminess)
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth (Low‑sodium; can substitute water for a lighter soup)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cumin (Optional, adds warm earthiness)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (For serving, adds brightness)

Instructions

  1. Rinse Lentils and Rice

    Place the red lentils and rice in a fine‑mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Prep Carrots

    Peel the carrots and dice them into ½‑inch cubes.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Combine Ingredients & Bring to a Boil

    In the large pot, add the rinsed lentils, rice, diced carrots, vegetable broth, salt, cumin, and black pepper. Stir briefly, then place over medium‑high heat and bring to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  4. Simmer Until Soft

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, or until the lentils and rice are completely soft and the carrots are tender.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: Low heat

  5. Add Olive Oil and Blend

    Turn off the heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil directly into the pot. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Finish & Serve

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle a little extra olive oil if desired, and finish with a splash of lemon juice.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
136
Protein
13 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan (if vegetable broth is used), Gluten‑Free (ensure broth is gluten‑free), High‑Protein

Allergens: None (legume‑based, may contain trace gluten if broth is not certified gluten‑free)

Last updated: April 7, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Crushed Lentil Soup

Recipe by Feelgoodfoodie

A warm, nourishing Ramadan soup packed with protein, featuring red lentils, rice, and carrots. A little olive oil added just before blending makes it ultra‑creamy. Perfect for breaking fast or any chilly evening.

EasyMiddle EasternServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.85
Total cost
$0.96
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Rinse lentils and rice thoroughly to avoid gritty texture.
  • Simmer until lentils and rice are fully softened; under‑cooking leaves a grainy mouthfeel.
  • Add olive oil before blending to achieve a super‑creamy consistency.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot liquid can cause severe burns; handle the pot and blender with care.
  • When using a countertop blender, vent the lid slightly to release steam and avoid pressure buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of crushed lentil soup in Ramadan cuisine?

A

Crushed lentil soup, known as "Shorbat Adas" in many Arab countries, is a staple for breaking fast during Ramadan because it is quick to digest, provides protein and energy, and warms the body after a day of fasting. The soup’s simplicity reflects the tradition of modest, nourishing meals that honor the spirit of the holy month.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of lentil soup exist in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

In the Levant, the soup often includes cumin and lemon; in Egypt, it may be flavored with coriander and topped with crispy fried onions; in Iran, a touch of turmeric and mint is common. Each variation reflects local spice palettes and available vegetables.

cultural
Q

How is crushed lentil soup traditionally served during Ramadan in the Arab world?

A

It is traditionally served hot in shallow bowls, sometimes drizzled with a little extra‑virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon. It may be accompanied by dates, fresh flatbread, or a side of fattoush salad to complete the iftar meal.

cultural
Q

What occasions besides Ramadan is lentil soup commonly enjoyed in Middle Eastern culture?

A

Lentil soup is also a comfort food for cold winter evenings, a starter at family gatherings, and a quick weekday meal. Its high protein content makes it popular for post‑exercise recovery in many households.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Middle Eastern crushed lentil soup?

A

The core ingredients are red (crushed) lentils, water or light vegetable broth, olive oil, and warming spices such as cumin and black pepper. Optional traditional add‑ins include carrots, rice or barley, and a finishing splash of lemon juice.

cultural
Q

What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with crushed lentil soup?

A

Pair it with fresh flatbread (khubz), stuffed grape leaves (dolma), or a simple cucumber‑yogurt salad (tzatziki‑style). The light acidity of the soup balances richer dishes like lamb kebabs or baked eggplant (baba ganoush).

cultural
Q

How has the recipe for crushed lentil soup evolved over time in Arab households?

A

Originally a plain lentil‑water broth, modern versions incorporate rice or barley for heartiness, carrots for sweetness, and a drizzle of olive oil before blending for creaminess—techniques passed down through generations, like the mom’s tip shared by Feelgoodfoodie.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crushed lentil soup?

A

Common errors include under‑cooking the lentils (resulting in a gritty texture), forgetting to add olive oil before blending (which reduces creaminess), and letting the soup boil too vigorously, which can cause it to foam and stick to the pot.

technical
Q

Why does this lentil soup recipe add olive oil just before blending instead of at the start of cooking?

A

Adding olive oil at the end emulsifies the fat into the pureed soup, creating a silky mouthfeel without the oil breaking down under heat. Cooking the oil early would lose its fresh flavor and could cause the soup to become oily rather than creamy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Feelgoodfoodie specialize in?

A

Feelgoodfoodie focuses on wholesome, family‑friendly recipes that are especially suited for fasting periods, seasonal celebrations, and everyday comfort cooking. The channel emphasizes simple techniques, nutritious ingredients, and cultural storytelling behind each dish.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Feelgoodfoodie's approach to Ramadan cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Feelgoodfoodie blends personal family traditions—like the mom’s olive‑oil tip—with clear, step‑by‑step visuals, making recipes accessible for beginners while preserving authentic flavors. Unlike many channels that chase trendy dishes, Feelgoodfoodie stays rooted in cultural heritage and nutritional balance for fasting.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Creamy Red Lentil Soup with Chicken and Mushrooms
17

Creamy Red Lentil Soup with Chicken and Mushrooms

A comforting velvety soup based on red lentils, enhanced with sautéed chicken, mushrooms and aromatics. Ideal for winter evenings, this simple and tasty recipe can be prepared in just over an hour.

1 hr 2 minServes 4$7
Mediterranean
Turkish Red Lentil Soup
21

Turkish Red Lentil Soup

A creamy Turkish soup made with red lentils, carrots, potatoes and onion, flavored with tomato and pepper paste, garnished with a touch of dried mango and a drizzle of lemon. Easy, quick and ideal for vegetarian meals.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$3
Turkish
LEMONY LENTIL & CHICKPEA SOUP
16

LEMONY LENTIL & CHICKPEA SOUP

A bright, hearty vegetarian soup packed with red lentils, chickpeas, baby spinach, and a fresh lemony punch. Inspired by Downshiftology's new cookbook, this soup is perfect for meal‑prep, easy to make, and stores well in the fridge or freezer.

60 minServes 4$8
Mediterranean
The BEST Lentil Soup
39

The BEST Lentil Soup

A hearty, aromatic red lentil soup that the Golden Balance team loves to make during Ramadan. Sweet onions, potatoes, and carrots are sautéed with cumin and paprika, then simmered with red lentils, chicken stock, and a bouillon cube until tender. The soup is pureed, brightened with fresh lemon juice, and served hot for a comforting, protein‑rich meal.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$5
Middle Eastern
This Easy Lentil Soup is Just the Beginning
163

This Easy Lentil Soup is Just the Beginning

A simple, comforting lentil soup flavored with a bright lemon‑garlic‑parsley drizzle (grammalada). The soup is built on a classic mirepoix, toasted brown lentils, potatoes, and chicken broth, finished with a tangy yogurt‑grammalada for extra depth.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$8
American
Dominican Lentil Soup Recipe
26

Dominican Lentil Soup Recipe

A comforting, vegetarian lentil soup inspired by Chef Zee's family recipe. Soaked lentils are simmered with onions, celery, garlic, carrots, butternut squash, tomato paste, and fresh cilantro for a flavorful, one‑pot meal. Easily adaptable with smoked meats or extra cheese for non‑vegetarians.

1 hr 57 minServes 4$9
Mexican