Hearty and Flavorful Algerian Lentil Soup

It was a sunny afternoon in Chicago, and my friends and I decided to try out a Middle Eastern restaurant that we had heard great things about. Furthermore, the place was buzzing with activity, and the aroma of exotic spices wafting through the air indicated we were in for a treat.

As we sat down and perused the menu, we noticed that the restaurant had a wide variety of dishes from different countries in the Middle East. Consequently, we decided to start with some appetizers and ordered hummus, baba ganoush, and falafel. While enjoying our appetizers, the restaurant owner, a friendly and hospitable man, approached our table and started chatting.

A commotion outside caught our attention as we were chatting with the owner. We peered out of the window and saw a group of people marching down the street, carrying signs and chanting slogans. It was a protest that seemed to be getting closer to the restaurant.

As we savored the delicious food, the waiter placed a bowl of Algerian lentil soup before us. The soup had a rich, hearty, comforting, and satisfying flavor. We asked the owner about the soup’s origin and were surprised to learn that the Lebanese owner’s Algerian wife made it. The soup was so delicious that I couldn’t resist asking the owner for the recipe. At first, he seemed hesitant to share the recipe with me, but after some convincing, he agreed to give it. I was extremely happy to get the recipe and couldn’t wait to try making the soup at home. The owner was kind enough to write the recipe for me on paper, and I thanked him for his generosity.

Algerian lentil soup is a hearty and flavorful soup and making it with simple ingredients such as onions, celery, carrots, and green lentils is pretty easy. Additionally, add seasonings like turmeric, coriander, and cumin for depth of flavor. Chopped tomatoes and lemon juice provide a bright and tangy flavor while vegetable stock adds richness to the soup. Add fresh coriander for a fresh and herbaceous note. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste to make this soup a comforting and warming dish that is perfect for any occasion.

When I got home the next day, I immediately went to the kitchen and prepared the soup. Moreover, the recipe was easy to follow, and the aroma of the soup cooking on the stove was mouth-watering. Finally, when it was ready, I served it to my family, and they loved it.

You can have a variety of dishes to complement Algerian lentil soup. For example:

Crusty bread or breadsticks: The soup is hearty and filling, and a piece of bread can help soak up the flavorful broth.

Salad: A light and refreshing side salad can balance out the richness of the soup. For instance, try a simple green salad with a lemony dressing or a mix of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.

Yogurt: A dollop of plain yogurt can add a creamy and tangy touch to the soup. It’s also a traditional accompaniment to many North African dishes.

Harissa or hot sauce: If you like your soup with some heat, a spoonful of harissa or other hot sauce can add a spicy kick.

Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavors of the soup and add some acidity.

Fried or hard-boiled eggs: For a more substantial meal, you can top the soup with a fried or hard-boiled egg. The yolk adds richness and depth to the dish.

Grilled cheese sandwich: If you’re in the mood for some comfort food, a grilled cheese sandwich can be a delicious and indulgent pairing with this soup. Try a sandwich with sharp cheddar or feta cheese and some sliced tomatoes or pickles.

Here is how I create the Algerian lentil soup at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1/2 tsp of turmeric
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp of coriander
• 1 tsp of cumin
• 150g of green lentils
• 3 pieces of  tomatoes, chopped
• 1 piece of lemon, juiced
• 2 pints of vegetable stock
• 1 bunch of coriander, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to create the Algerian lentil soup (chorba adas)?

1. Begin by preparing the vegetables. Cut up one onion, two carrots, and two celery sticks into small, uniform cubes. Peel the vegetables first before slicing them into tiny pieces of equal size so that all ingredients are cooked evenly during preparation.
2. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and pour a generous amount of olive oil. Once the oil is heated, put in the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook until they become tender and see-through. It will require approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Mix the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika in the pan and make sure everything is evenly distributed. Next, simmer for two minutes in the can of diced tomatoes.
4. Add the red lentils and vegetable stock to the mixture and mix all the ingredients together. After seasoning with salt and pepper to your desired taste, put a lid over the pan. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the mixture cook for around 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and determine if the lentils are cooked to your desired consistency. Allow the lentils to cook for a few more minutes if they are too firm until they have achieved the desired texture.

This Algerian lentil soup is delicious and filling, and very nutritious. Additionally, lentils provide an excellent plant-based source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy choice. Moreover, this vegan and gluten-free dish is easily customizable to suit your tastes. You can try experimenting with different spices or adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach to make it more flavorful and nutritious.

Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey to a Middle Eastern restaurant in Chicago and discovering the delicious Algerian lentil soup. I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience and trying the recipe at home. Food connects people and cultures. I do believe it’s important to celebrate the diversity and richness of cuisines from around the world. I encourage you to explore and try new dishes, and who knows, you might even discover your next favorite meal.