Super easy and nourishing soup that’s ready in 30 minutes. This Iraqi lentil soup only calls for a handful of ingredients and there’s no blending required (less washing up!). It’s also fairly high in protein and fibre.
I feel like Iraqi food (and Middle Eastern food in general) doesn’t get anywhere near the attention it deserves. I know I’m biased when saying this (because I grew up eating it), but Middle Eastern food is the tastiest, most delicious cuisine ever! It can also be fairly healthy with lots of colourful veggies, protein, spices and fresh herbs.
As you can imagine for a hot country like Iraq, soups weren’t the most popular thing to eat. This is the one and only soup I remember eating growing up. It was usually served during the holy month of Ramadan to open fast with.
The great thing about soups in general is that they’re easily adjustable to what you like and prefer. You can use any spices you like, although I would argue that cumin is essential in this recipe. You can also add things like vegetables or even chicken or tofu if you want to bump up the protein content to make it a main meal.
You can enjoy this Iraqi lentil soup as an appetiser or a main meal with a side of crusty bread. I don’t usually blend it as I like a bit of texture, but of course you have the option to blend it if you prefer a smoother soup.
What you need to make this Iraqi lentil soup:
Red split lentils – you can get these from any supermarket. The great thing about red lentils is unlike other beans & pulses, they don’t need soaking or cooking before hand. They’re fast cooking, making them great for speedy meals like this one.
White onion – adds a lovely flavour to the soup.
Spices – Cumin is the essential spice in this soup. It goes so well with lentils. Really you can use any spices you like. I’ve also gone for curry powder and chilli.
Vegetable stock – I usually use stock pots for ease, but stick cubes or homemade stock also work.
Lemon juice – adds a lovely hint of acidity.
Why you need to try this Iraqi lentil soup:
- It’s super easy
- Calls for just a handful of ingredients
- Great source of protein
- Filling & satisfying
- Vegan & gluten-free
- Easily adjustable
- Ready in 30 minutes
- And it’s delicious & warming
Iraqi Lentil Soup (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 white onion finely chopped
- 300g red lentils
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 1.5 liters boiling water
- 1 vegetable stock pot or stock cube
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan and sauté the onions for 5 minutes.
- Add the lentils, spices, veg stock and water.
- Bring to a quick boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Take off the heat and add the lemon juice. Serve with fresh coriander
Nutrition
You can find this soup almost everywhere in the Middle East and North Africa region. I have never heard it called Iraqi soup.
I don’t know how other countries make it as I’ve never tried them 🙂 This is the version I know that I grew up eating in Iraq.
Thank you for this recipe, I’m looking forward to trying it, sounds delicious.
Thanks Martin 🙂 Let me know what you think once you’ve tried it!
This looks like a great recipe. I have whole red lentils in the pantry, but no split. Can I use them instead?
Hi Jan 🙂 whole red lentils will also work, they may take a little longer to cook. You always have the option to blend the soup at the end if it’s not smooth enough for your liking 🙂
Any other recipe I looked at had a load of other ingredients. This is a very simple and delicious soup
Loved it, thank you!
So glad you enjoyed it Katie 🥰 xx
When simmering, should the pot be covered?
Best lentil soup ever! My grandfather was an Iraqi immigrant—this soup tastes like going to his house. Thank you for posting this. I am going to be making this every week!
Loved it in Egypt they blend it but just as good
Thank you Paul 🙂 It is usually blended, but I wanted to keep it simple/reduce washing up. You can blend it too if you prefer 🙂
Hi – looks so good. Can you explain how much vegetable broth to use?
Excellent recipe, very warming and comforting. I first had a soup like this at our local Iraqi restaurant and it is my favorite soup to order out.
So glad you enjoyed it Tara 😀 It’s by far my favourite soup – so much heartier than other soups.
Thank you – great recipe. Lovely taste and texture unleaded.
Thank you for your feedback Chris 🙂 so glad you enjoyed it!
Looking forward to trying this recipe. I cannot locate vegetable stock pot. I am hoping a vegetable stock cube will work for this recipe
Hi Rhonda 🙂 Yes a vegetable stock cube will work the same x
How much vegetable
Stock? 1 cup? 1 carton?
I used a vegetable stock pot, which is concentrated stock and the equivalent to 1 stock cube. You just add it straight into the pan. If you’re using homemade stock, add 1.5 litres and omit the water.
The recipe says 1 vegetable stock pot, I am sure that you just mean the liquid vegetable stock but how much of it?
We have vegetable stock pots in the UK, which is equivalent to 1 stock cube. You don’t need to add more liquid, just the 1.5 litres of water. If you’re using homemade stock, add 1.5 litres and omit the water 🙂
Is it ground cumin powder?
Yes 🙂
I had a bag of red lentils just sitting there in the cupboard. I thought I’d try something different and came across Nadia’s recipe.
Utterly amazing!
Simple, quick and gorgeous. Easy to follow and so easy, cheap and worth while. Nadia, I’m so grateful. You have given me new appreciation of lentils and , above all, boosted my willingness to try something new. I’m hooked! Thank you! X
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Paul 😀 It’s my favourite way to eat lentils and definitely my favourite soup! Thank you for your feedback 🙂 X
I tried this recipe, it was so simple and delicious, thank you for sharing Nadia ❤️
So Glad you enjoyed it Cindy 😀 Thank you for your feedback! xx
I have been looking for a recipe for this soup for ages as where I live in the North there is a very large Kurdish community in my city and a wonderful Kurdish restaurant that I often go to and they serve this lentil soup included matter of course if you order a main dish and I’ve always thought it was totally delicious. I love the warmth of the cumin, and the heat of chilli and the slight acidity of the lemon. Easy but great recipe!!