Egyptian Yellow Lentil Soup
I double bagged my socks today, and tossed my fleece in the dryer to warm it up before I put it on. It was a hot soup day if ever there was one.
So much Egypt in the news made me want to know more about their cuisine, and when I Googled it, up came a yellow lentil soup. Which as you may know, is right up my alley. I had just unearthed a bag of lentils from the depths of my cupboard – you know that one jammed with all manner of grains, beans, nuts, chocolate and dried fruit? Interspersed with some spices and packets of things that really don’t have a home anywhere else? And so I was happy to use it and decrease the surplus population.
The interesting thing about this soup is that the lentils and veg are simmered separately from the onions, which are caramelized and then not pureed with the rest of the soup. I’d have started with the onions, proceeded with the lentils, veg and stock, then pureed the lot. But I decided to try it this way. I may rebel and do it my way next time, if only to save one pot from being washed. Also – I found the pitas easier to toast in the oven than in a skillet, as was instructed. Either way.
[cooked-recipe id="21026"]
(recipe not found or in draft status)
Mmmmm… perfect for lunch on a bone chilling day! How do you think canned lentils would do in this recipe? (I am collecting recipes for our 6 month sailing trip through the South Pacific and although I will have dried lentils along we will also have more canned – to conserve water).
This looks so delicious!!!
Cathy – I think canned lentils would do just fine, and PS – HOW COOL!!!
Cathy – I’m with Jule – How cool!
Julie, I always use red lentils for my recipes. I’m going to try the yellow ones and see if they’re different in taste or texture. I think I’m with you and am leaning towards a one-pot soup 🙂
Looks devine! Gonna be on the menu tonight!
I’ve recently discovered the yellow lentils (mostly called yellow split peas in my stores) and I’m having fun experimenting with them. This sounds good and warming!
Ah, miss Julie, you are always my go-to gal.
Made short ribs last night (braised in an excellent red wine which reduced, with the carrots etc. to condensed deliciousness). So they were excellent, but I *really* made them so I could save one to use for DWJ’s grilled cheese with
https://www.dinnerwithjulie.com/2008/10/21/day-295-grilled-cheese-with-pulled-beef-short-ribs/
…with the Heritage classic. That was some hockey game! And perfect game food, with some pickled carrots and baby tomatoes.
Thanks, Julie!
Julie, I am usually a blog lurker but have to say, if there is an Egyptian dish to try making on the next cold weather day, try Koshary (or koshari).
I just came back from a trip to Egypt, narrowly missing the protests. But as we were leaving Luxor, we requested that our bus stop at a well-known Koshary place called el zaeem. It was delicious! Essentially it’s like the Egyptian equivalent of spaghetti or KD – cheap and fast comfort food. A pilaf of seasoned mini pasta, lentils, rice, chickpeas, topped with tomato paste, lemon juice, hot sauce, and crispy fried onions.
Hope I’ve piqued your curiosity!
OH YES!!!
Hi Julie!
I am a big fan of your site. I just made this recipe last night, and it was really delicious! I am a vegetarian, so I am always on the lookout for delicious veg food that my omnivore boyfriend will also enjoy. This soup fit the bill!
Also, I second Christina’s comment about koshary. I went to Egypt a few years ago, and koshary was hands down the best food that I encountered there.
Made this for lunch today and it got a seal of approval from my dad (who grew up eating food like this, and is one of those “it’s not how my mama made it” food critics). Hooray! I didn’t puree it at the end because it looked beautiful with some texture and color from the other veggies.
Thanks for the recipe.