Vegan Middle Eastern Soup – A Taste of Home

Welcome my dear friends, come and gather round! Today, I am bringing you a sensational vegan Middle Eastern soup recipe that I am sure you will love. Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its bold tastes and exotic flavors, and this recipe is no exception.

Now, when it comes to cooking vegan food, some folks may think that the options can be limited, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, as a vegan chef myself, I have found that the possibilities are endless – the trick is knowing how to work with plant-based ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and nutritious.

That’s why I’ve created this vegan lentil soup recipe – which I also like to call “ABC soup” because it’s easy as 1-2-3 to make! This soup is just bursting with Middle Eastern spices and flare; from the aromatic cumin and turmeric, to the rich tomatoes and chickpeas. Not to mention that it’s packed with healthy veggies like carrots and onions – making it a meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body from within.

So join me on this culinary adventure as we make our way through the vibrant flavors of the Middle East. It’s time for us to put on our chef hats and create something truly extraordinary. Are you ready? Let’s begin!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you haven’t tried this vegan Middle Eastern soup recipe yet, you’re missing out! Let me tell you why you’ll love this dish.

First and foremost, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of spices, like turmeric and ground cumin, brings an authentic Middle Eastern taste that is absolutely irresistible. Imagine a medley of flavors like the sweetness of carrots and the tanginess of tomatoes all blended together into one savory dish. Plus, the addition of cilantro and parsley adds a layer of freshness that really elevates the flavors.

Secondly, this soup is incredibly nutritious. Lentil soup is known for its high protein content, but when combined with chickpeas, it becomes even more protein-packed, making it a great option for vegans and vegetarians alike. And with added ingredients like carrots and onions, you’ll be getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

Thirdly, it’s easy to make! With just 10 minutes of active prep time and some simmering on the stove, this soup can be made by anyone regardless of experience in the kitchen. Plus, with substitutions available for certain ingredients like olive oil to coconut oil or using vegetable stock instead of water to make it richer in flavor – this recipe has endless possibilities!

Last but not least, this vegan Middle Eastern soup is versatile enough to serve alongside other dishes – or on its own as a hearty meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal during your busy workweek or planning a themed dinner party with friends and family- this recipe works for any occasion.

So what are you waiting for? Give this vegan Middle Eastern soup recipe a try today! Your taste buds (and body) will thank you for it.

Ingredient List

Let’s Gather the Essentials for Aromatic and Hearty Soup!

Gather up the following ingredients, and let’s start cooking our vegan Middle Eastern soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 8 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups red lentils
• 1 cup canned or cooked chickpeas, drained
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley and cilantro, chopped for garnish

Don’t hesitate to substitute or add vegetables according to your preference. This recipe is versatile and open to interpretations!

The Recipe How-To

Here is where the magic happens. Are you ready to create a vegan Middle Eastern soup that will make your taste buds dance? Let’s do this!

Step 1: Heat The Oil

• In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Add 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped carrots to the pot. Sauté for around 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened.

Step 3: Add Spices

• Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon turmeric, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.

Step 4: Cook Lentils And Chickpeas

• Add 8 cups of vegetable stock, 2 cups red lentils, and 1 cup chickpeas. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for around 20 minutes or until lentils are soft.

Step 5: Blend Soup

• Once the soup is fully cooked, ladle it into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.

Step 6: Serve With Herbs

• Pour soup back into the pot, add a handful of chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. Stir well and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

And voila! Your tasty vegan Middle Eastern soup is now ready to be enjoyed!

Substitutions and Variations

Ya know, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always switch up the ingredients a bit in this Middle Eastern Vegan Soup recipe. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:

– Lentils: Don’t have red lentils on hand? No problem! You can easily swap them out for yellow lentils or even chickpeas for a heartier soup.

– Spices: If you don’t have turmeric or cumin in your pantry, try experimenting with different spices. A dash of cinnamon, coriander or paprika could lend an interesting twist to this soup.

– Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of parsley or cilantro, you could substitute with your own favorite greens like kale or spinach. You could also add sliced bell peppers or sweet potato pieces for additional nutrition and flavor.

– Broth: I used vegetable stock for this vegan recipe, but you could also use chicken broth if you’re not on a plant-based diet.

– Garnish: Top it off with some toasted pine nuts for added crunch, or serve with a side of pita bread for dipping.

The possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment and make this soup your own by incorporating some of your favorite flavors and ingredients.

Serving and Pairing

Now that your vegan Middle Eastern soup is cooked to perfection, it’s time to take things up a notch and serve this delicious dish with the perfect accompaniments. This hearty soup pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings, making it the ideal meal for any occasion.

One of my favorite ways to serve this Middle Eastern soup is by garnishing it with fresh cilantro or parsley. These herbs add an extra burst of flavor and fragrance to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.

Another great way to serve this vegan lentil soup is by adding some roasted chickpeas on top. The roasted chickpeas provide a crunchy texture and a good source of protein that complements the soft and creamy texture of the soup.

If you enjoy some spice in your meals, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or ground pepper will do the trick. This adds an extra kick to the dish without overpowering its natural flavors.

Finally, serving this Middle Eastern soup with some warm pita bread or naan on the side is always a good idea. Not only does it complement the meal perfectly, but it also adds to the experience of enjoying a truly Middle Eastern-inspired dish.

In terms of beverages, you can pair this vegan lentil soup with a hot cup of tea or coffee or even some fresh juice or lemonade. Whatever your preference, know that this versatile soup can adapt to any pairing and enhance any mealtime experience.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

If you’re anything like me, you love a good meal that can be made ahead of time and reheated to perfection. Luckily, this vegan Middle Eastern soup recipe is perfect for just that! It can be made up to two days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to reheat, simply add the desired amount of soup to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little bit of additional vegetable stock or water if the soup has thickened in the fridge.

If you want to make this soup even more ahead of time, it can also be frozen for up to 3 months! Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop as noted above.

A tip for storing this soup: keep the cilantro and parsley separate and add them in right before serving. This will prevent them from wilting or losing their fresh flavor while stored in the fridge or freezer.

Overall, this soup is a great option for meal prep or if you’re looking to whip up a quick weeknight dinner without any fuss.

Tips for Perfect Results

Making any soup can be a culinary adventure, but creating a flavorful vegan Middle Eastern soup is something else. The ingredients and spices used to make this soup are distinctive and have strong character, which is why you need the correct preparation techniques to bring out the best in them. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results:

1. Master the spices: Don’t be intimidated by the various spices used in making Middle Eastern soup. It is important to know that not all spices work well together, and therefore, you need to learn what makes for an excellent spice combination. For instance, turmeric and cumin work well together as they add brightness and depth of flavor.

2. Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro and parsley are critical for adding flavor to this soup. To ensure their freshness, rinse them thoroughly before chopping them into tiny pieces. Be sure to add them towards the end of cooking.

3. Cook lentils separately: Lentils cook faster than chickpeas, so don’t throw them into the pot at the same time. You risk having overcooked chickpeas and undercooked lentils if you do so.

4. Cook onions to perfection: The secret to a flavorful soup is caramelizing onions correctly. Firstly, ensure that you finely chop the onions and heat up enough olive oil or coconut oil in a pot over medium heat. Put your onions in there and stir frequently until they turn golden brown.

5. Don’t overcook your vegetables: Ensure that your vegetables retain their flavor by not boiling them for too long. Carrots should be soft but still have some firmness left while tomatoes should be cooked until they start breaking down slightly.

6. Use homemade vegetable stock: If possible, make your own vegetable stock instead of buying store-bought ones as this gives more depth of flavor to your soup.

7. Simmer slowly: Allow all the ingredients to simmer gradually over low heat for at least 30 minutes before serving.

These tips will ensure that you get delicious, vibrant-flavored soup every time you make it!

FAQ

Now that we have covered all of the essential information to make this delicious vegan Middle Eastern soup, it’s time to answer some common questions. These FAQs will help troubleshoot issues and give you suggestions for adapting the recipe to your cooking style and preferences. So grab a spoon and dig in while we go over some questions you may have about making this tasty soup!

How do you add richness to vegan soup?

There are various ways to enhance the texture and richness of your soup. One of the best ways to achieve that is by adding cashew cream, which will give it a luscious and velvety consistency. To make the soup heartier, you can add a handful or two of grains such as barley, farro, sorghum, or wild rice. These grains will contribute to the texture and also add an earthy flavor to the soup. Another way to boost the soup’s texture is by including some dried pasta or spaghetti, which you can throw in around 10 minutes before the soup is ready to serve.

What is the most healthiest soup in the world?

As a vegan chef’s assistant, I have prepared a list of savory soup recipes. We have a selection of creamy soups such as broccoli cheddar soup, roasted red pepper, and tomato soup. In addition to that, we have hearty soups like a vegetable beef stew which is perfect instant pot-friendly. For people looking for a low-carb option, the spinach egg drop soup can be a great choice while the light seafood chowder takes care of pescetarians’ taste buds. We also have some seasonal soups like paleo fennel asparagus, and leek stew. Lastly, our healing chicken soup can be prepared with or without noodles.

What is ABC soup made of?

Do you know the name of the nourishing soup that contains an alphabet of healthy ingredients? This soup is composed of potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, onions, and pork ribs/bones or chicken which make it a great source of vitamins. Additionally, it is considered baby/child-friendly due to its nutritious value. Furthermore, it can be transformed into a vegetarian soup by simply removing the meat. Can you guess the name of this soup?

How to make Moroccan soup harira?

To begin, we’ll sauté a delightful mix of onions, celery, and carrots, giving the dish a fragrant, savory base. Next up, we’ll add in some plump and juicy tomatoes, along with hearty lentils and protein-packed chickpeas. This combination is sure to keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours to come.

Once our ingredients are in the pot, we’ll pour in some liquid and let everything simmer and mingle together. As the flavors meld, the dish will begin to take on a rich, mouthwatering quality that can’t be beat.

When it’s time to serve, we’ll garnish our creation with fresh lemon wedges to add a bright, tangy pop of flavor. With every bite, you’ll taste the depth and complexity of each ingredient, coming together in perfect, delicious harmony.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this vegan Middle Eastern soup recipe is one that you will absolutely love. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try out new and exciting flavors, this recipe is for you. With a blend of fresh cilantro, parsley, turmeric, and ground cumin, you won’t be able to resist the aromatic scent wafting from your kitchen.

This recipe allows for substitutions and variations to make it your own. You can add chickpeas or any other beans you like. You can also experiment with different lentils like red and yellow lentils for a variety of textures.

When it comes to serving and pairing, expect nothing but the best. I recommend pairing this soup with pita bread or rice for a filling and satisfying meal. And if you’re hosting guests over, this soup will surely impress them too.

Lastly, make sure to save some leftovers as this soup tastes even better the next day. Follow my tips closely for perfect results and don’t hesitate to experiment with your own variations.

Overall, this vegan Middle Eastern soup recipe has all the ingredients needed to tantalize your taste buds while keeping things healthy and cruelty-free. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!