Get ready to embark on a gastronomic odyssey through the vibrant tapestry of Middle Eastern cuisine, where the centerpiece of our culinary adventure awaits. The exquisite Middle Eastern lentil soup with spinach. From the enticing aroma of exotic spices to the meticulous craftsmanship behind each ingredient, prepare to immerse yourself in a world where flavors come alive, and passion meets culinary excellence. So, the stage is set, and the table is waiting. Let the feast begin!
My co-worker and I entered a charming Middle Eastern restaurant in Jerusalem’s heart. The air was filled with the exotic scent of spices, setting the tone for our much-anticipated culinary journey as we located our seats.
The menu presented a tantalizing array of dishes, but the lentil soup with spinach caught our attention. We eagerly placed our orders, and soon enough, our waiter arrived, carrying a tray with two steaming bowls of lentil soup. The soup was a vibrant masterpiece, rich with the earthy hues of lentils and adorned with delicate green spinach leaves. In addition, the fragrant steam rose from the bowls, tempting our senses as we eagerly reached for our spoons.
Meanwhile, an unexpected event unfolded just as we were about to take our first spoonfuls. The restaurant owner, approached a nearby table, carrying a large platter that seemed to emit an aura of anticipation. As he arrived at the table, he performed a dramatic food presentation. He poured the soup into individual bowls with an artistic flourish. As a result, gasps of awe filled the air, and we couldn’t help but be captivated by the spectacle.
This dish intrigued us. So, we approached the owner and mustered the courage to request the recipe for the remarkable lentil soup. The owner regarded us with a hint of hesitation, a silent debate flickering in his eyes. However, he nodded and agreed to share the recipe, cautioning us to treasure it dearly.
With the recipe in our possession, we eagerly examined the ingredients required to recreate this Middle Eastern masterpiece. To recreate the lentil soup with spinach, you will need the following ingredients: olive oil, large brown onion, water, a massel vegetable stock cube, and red split lentils. In addition, you will need English spinach, garam masala, and ground cumin.
Lentil soup with spinach is a delightful dish, but it can also be complemented with various accompaniments to create a more substantial and satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions for what you can serve alongside this flavorful soup. For example:
Lebanese bread: Warm and fluffy Lebanese bread is a traditional choice to serve with Middle Eastern dishes. Its soft texture and mild flavor make it perfect for dipping into the soup or tearing off small pieces to enjoy alongside each spoonful.
Yogurt: A dollop of creamy yogurt adds a refreshing and tangy element to the soup. You can serve it on the side or swirl it directly into the soup to enhance the creaminess and balance the flavors.
Saffron rice: Prepare a side of fragrant saffron rice to accompany the lentil soup. The aromatic rice pairs well with the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine and provides a satisfying and filling addition to the meal.
Feta cheese: Crumble some feta cheese over the soup to introduce a salty and tangy element. The creamy texture and distinctive feta flavor can beautifully complement the earthy lentils and spinach.
Salad: Create a refreshing salad with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. The fresh and vibrant salad will provide a lovely contrast to the warm and comforting soup.
So, here is how I recreated the lentil soup with spinach at home.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- 1 large brown onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 liters (8 cups) of water
- 1 massel vegetable stock cube
- 325 grams (1 1/2 cups) of red split lentils
- 1 bunch of English spinach, trimmed, washed, and then finely shredded
- 1 tablespoon of garam masala
- 3 teaspoon ground cumin
- Lebanese bread for serving
How to make Middle Eastern lentil soup with spinach?
- Firstly, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Consequently, the aroma of sautéed onions will fill the kitchen, releasing their sweet fragrance.
- Increase the heat to high and carefully pour in the water and the vegetable stock cube. Stir well to dissolve the stock cube and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. As a result, the steam rising from the pot will carry the enticing scents of the stock, promising a flavorful base for the soup.
- Once the soup is boiling, add the red split lentils to the saucepan, stirring them to ensure they are well combined with the other ingredients. The lentils will infuse the soup with their earthy flavor and satisfying texture. Reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer for approximately 15 minutes. This will allow the lentils to cook and become tender, absorbing the flavors of the broth.
- It’s time to introduce the vibrant spinach to the simmering soup. Add the finely shredded spinach to the pot and gently stir it in. Watch as the heat gently wilts the spinach, causing it to shrink and blend harmoniously with the other ingredients. Cook for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the spinach is wilted, maintaining its bright green color and delicate texture.
- It’s time to enhance the soup with a burst of aromatic spices. Sprinkle the garam masala and ground cumin into the pot, stirring vigorously to incorporate them into the soup. The spices will infuse the dish with their unique flavors, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste. Take a moment to appreciate the captivating aroma that fills the air as the spices mingle with the lentils and spinach.
- To ensure the soup is perfectly seasoned, taste it and adjust the flavors according to your preference. Additionally, add salt and pepper as desired, carefully balancing the seasoning to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Remember, the intensity of the flavors may vary based on personal preference, so trust your palate to guide you in achieving the ideal balance.
- With the soup now simmered to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Ladle the flavorful lentil soup with spinach into individual serving bowls, allowing the aromas to entice your senses. The vibrant green spinach and tender lentils will create a visually appealing presentation.
- Finally, to complete the meal, serve the soup alongside freshly baked Lebanese bread. The warm, pillowy bread will be the perfect accompaniment for dipping or tearing into bite-sized pieces to savor with each spoonful of the nourishing soup. Combining the soup and bread creates a comforting and satisfying dining experience.
As you take the final sip of the Middle Eastern lentil soup with spinach, let its flavors linger on your palate, reminding you of the vibrant tapestry of Middle Eastern cuisine. May this culinary odyssey inspire you to explore new flavors, embrace cultural diversity, and find joy in the art of cooking. Whether recreating this remarkable dish or venturing into other Middle Eastern delicacies, may the memories of this gastronomic adventure continue to ignite your passion for culinary exploration. Let the taste of the Middle East be a constant reminder of the shared humanity that transcends borders and connects us through the universal language of food!
