Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup: The Ultimate Hearty & Healthy Bowl
For another comforting classic, try our Marry Me Chicken.
Moroccan Lentils are not just a side dish; they are a flavorful, protein-packed meal. Unlike other lentil soups, the Moroccan version is thick, savory, and bursting with the warmth of cumin and paprika.
This Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup is a flavorful, protein-packed meal. Unlike other lentil soups, the Moroccan version is thick, savory, and bursting with the warmth of cumin and paprika.
Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup Ingredients
The Base: 500g (1.1 lbs) of Brown or Green Lentils (washed and soaked for 30 mins).
Aromatics: 1 large onion (finely grated) + 3 cloves of garlic (minced).
The Sauce: 2 ripe tomatoes (grated) + 1 tbsp Tomato paste (optional for extra color).
The Herbs: A generous handful of finely chopped Cilantro and Parsley.
The Spices: 1 tsp Cumin, 1 tsp Paprika (Piment doux), 1 tsp Ginger, ½ tsp Turmeric, Salt, and Black Pepper.
The Fat: 3 tbsp Olive Oil.
Optional Veggies: 1 small carrot (diced) or a potato for extra heartiness.
The Kick: 1 Dried chili pepper (Sudania) or a fresh hot pepper.
The Finish: A squeeze of fresh Lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil
The ingredients for this Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup fall into clear groups. The base is brown or green lentils, washed and soaked for 30 mins. The aromatics are onion and garlic, the sauce is grated tomatoes with optional tomato paste, and the herbs are cilantro and parsley. The spices are cumin, paprika, ginger, turmeric, salt and black pepper, with olive oil for the fat, optional veggies for heartiness, a dried chili pepper for the kick, and lemon juice for the finish.
How to Make Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup
For another hearty dinner, try our Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatballs.
- The Sauté
In a heavy-bottomed pot (or pressure cooker), heat the Olive Oil and sauté the Onion and Garlic until soft. Add the Grated Tomatoes and the spices (Cumin, Paprika, Ginger, Turmeric, Salt, Pepper). Let them simmer for 5 minutes to create a thick “Shroula” base.
The sauté is the first step for this Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup. In a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add the grated tomatoes and the spices, and let them simmer for 5 minutes to create a thick “Shroula” base.
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- Adding the Lentils
Drain the Lentils and add them to the pot along with the chopped Herbs and the Carrot (if using). Stir everything together so the lentils absorb the spices.
Adding the lentils is the second step for this Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup. Drain the lentils and add them to the pot along with the chopped herbs and the carrot, if using. Stir everything together so the lentils absorb the spices.
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- Simmering
Pour in about 1.5 liters of water (enough to cover the lentils by 2 inches). Close the pot and cook on medium heat.
If using a pressure cooker: 20–25 minutes.
If using a regular pot: 40–50 minutes (until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened).
Simmering is the third step for this Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup. Pour in about 1.5 liters of water, enough to cover the lentils by 2 inches, close the pot and cook on medium heat. If using a pressure cooker, cook 20–25 minutes. If using a regular pot, cook 40–50 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- The Final Touch
Once the lentils are cooked and the sauce is “Melbi” (velvety), check the seasoning. Add the Tomato paste if you want more richness. Serve hot in a bowl with a squeeze of Lemon.
The final touch finishes this Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup. Once the lentils are cooked and the sauce is “Melbi” (velvety), check the seasoning. Add the tomato paste if you want more richness, and serve hot in a bowl with a squeeze of lemon.
Serving Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup
Serve this Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup hot in a bowl with a squeeze of Lemon.
This Comforting Moroccan Lentil Soup is ready to serve.