Egyptian Soup Recipe

Egyptian cuisine is rich in history, combining flavors, ingredients, and techniques that span thousands of years. One of the standout dishes in Egyptian households is their hearty, flavorful soups. These soups often blend spices and fresh vegetables, creating a comforting bowl that nourishes both body and soul. Today, we’re diving into a classic Egyptian soup recipe that’s perfect for anyone looking to explore this culinary tradition. Whether you’re cooking for the first time or you’re already a seasoned pro, this Egyptian soup recipe will transport you straight to the streets of Cairo with its flavors.

Egyptian soups have a reputation for being nourishing, simple, and deeply satisfying. The recipes are often centered around seasonal vegetables, legumes, and grains, showcasing the diverse agricultural bounty of the country. If you’re in the mood for a bowl of something rich, flavorful, and full of depth, this Egyptian soup is your answer.

This Egyptian soup, known as Shorbat Ads, is a lentil-based soup that’s simple but packed with flavor. It’s often served as a starter or a light meal, making it a staple for many Egyptians. The recipe is straightforward and can be customized to your taste. It blends lentils, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of spices to create a savory and satisfying dish.

Ingredients Needed

To make this Egyptian soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building that distinctive flavor profile:

Red Lentils (1 cup): These are the heart of the soup, providing a rich, earthy base that gives the soup its creamy consistency.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Onions are sautéed to create a base for the soup and infuse it with sweetness.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic adds a savory depth and subtle sharpness to the dish.
Tomatoes (2 large, chopped): Fresh tomatoes give the soup a slightly tangy kick and provide a burst of freshness.
Carrots (1 medium, diced): Carrots add a mild sweetness and contribute to the texture of the soup.
Vegetable Broth (4 cups): This serves as the liquid base for the soup, absorbing all the flavors as it simmers.
Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Cumin is a quintessential spice in Egyptian cooking. It adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Ground Coriander (1 tsp): Coriander brings a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor that balances the earthiness of the lentils.
Turmeric (½ tsp): Turmeric adds both color and a subtle bitterness, rounding out the flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): These will season the soup to perfection.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, bringing a rich and smooth undertone to the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Sauté the aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Let the spices bloom for a minute in the oil, stirring to combine. This will release their oils and bring out their full flavor.
Add the vegetables and lentils: Toss in the diced carrots and chopped tomatoes. Stir them in and let them cook for 3-4 minutes. Then, add the red lentils and stir to coat them with the spices and vegetables.
Pour in the broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened.
Blend the soup (optional): For a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
Season and serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Red Lentils: These lentils are a popular ingredient in Egyptian cooking. Unlike other lentils, they cook faster and break down into a creamy texture, which makes them perfect for soups and stews. Rich in protein and fiber, red lentils also offer a mild, nutty flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients.
Onion & Garlic: Onions and garlic are used as a base for nearly every Egyptian dish. They provide a savory depth that enhances the other flavors. Garlic, in particular, is a staple in Egyptian kitchens, known for its health benefits and its ability to add aromatic complexity to dishes.
Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric): These spices are the cornerstone of Egyptian flavor. Cumin is earthy and warm, while coriander has a citrusy edge. Turmeric brings both color and a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the lentils. Together, they form the foundation of many Egyptian soups and stews.
Carrots and Tomatoes: Carrots are commonly used in Egyptian soups for their sweetness, which contrasts beautifully with the savory and spicy elements. Tomatoes add freshness and a slight acidity, helping to brighten the dish.

Expert Tips

Don’t Skip the Spice Blooming: Always sauté your spices in oil before adding the other ingredients. This releases their essential oils and maximizes the flavor. Skipping this step can result in a less flavorful soup.
Use Homemade Broth: While store-bought vegetable broth works in a pinch, homemade broth adds a much richer flavor. If you have the time, try simmering some vegetables, herbs, and spices in water for a couple of hours for a deep, flavorful broth.
Blend to Your Preference: If you love a smoother, creamier texture, go ahead and blend the soup completely. However, for a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup and leave some lentils and vegetables intact.
Make It Ahead of Time: Soups often taste even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Feel free to make this soup in advance and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. It also freezes well, making it a great meal prep option.

Recipe Variations

Add Protein: If you’d like to add more protein to the soup, consider adding some cooked chicken or chickpeas. Both pair well with the lentils and add a hearty touch to the dish.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy heat, try adding a chopped chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you sauté the onions and garlic. It’ll give the soup a spicy kick without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley make a lovely garnish, brightening up the flavor. You can also stir in some fresh spinach towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. You can even add greens like kale or Swiss chard for an extra boost of vitamins.

Final Words

This Egyptian soup is one of those dishes that’s both simple and extraordinary. It brings together a handful of basic ingredients and turns them into something nourishing and flavorful. The lentils provide a creamy, satisfying texture, while the spices infuse the soup with warmth and depth. It’s a perfect example of how Egyptian cuisine combines basic, accessible ingredients to create unforgettable flavors.

Whether you’re new to Egyptian cooking or you’ve enjoyed it for years, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. It’s versatile enough for different tastes and dietary needs, and it offers endless possibilities for tweaking to match your preferences.

Egyptian Soup Recipe