Moroccan Lentil Soup

by

Warm, spiced, comforting

This Moroccan lentil soup is hearty, nourishing, and bursting with warm North African spices. Made with tender lentils, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it’s naturally comforting and perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or a light yet satisfying lunch. Inspired by traditional Moroccan flavors, this soup is rich without being heavy and comes together easily with pantry staples. If you’re looking for a healthy lentil soup recipe that’s filling, budget-friendly, and full of bold flavor, this one is a must-save for your recipe board.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 6

📝 Ingredients List

  • 1½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, diced small
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle

🍲 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant 😊
  2. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  3. Build the soup: Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir well.
  4. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and soup thickens ✨
  5. Season: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Finish & serve: Stir in fresh herbs and serve hot with a squeeze of lemon 🍋

💡 Pro Tips

  • Creamier texture: Blend 1–2 cups of soup and stir back in.
  • Make it traditional: Add chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
  • Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer-friendly: Freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Leave a Comment