Adas Bil Hamod (Lebanese Lentil and Lemon Soup)
Why this recipe works
- Bright acidity: Adding lemon after simmering keeps the soup fresh and tangy rather than dull or bitter.
- Naturally thick texture: Red lentils break down as they cook, while potato adds body without needing dairy or blending.
- Straightforward method: The recipe relies on simple chopping, sautéing and simmering, with easy adjustments for seasoning and texture.
Get the most out of this recipe
Authenticity notes
- Home-style Lebanese soup: Adas bil Hamod is known for its lemony lentil base and simple pantry-friendly ingredients, making it a practical everyday soup.
- Common variations: Some versions include leafy greens such as chard; this one keeps the focus on red lentils, potato, cumin and lemon.
Ingredient notes
- Rinse the lentils: Rinsing red lentils until the water runs mostly clear helps the soup taste cleaner and keeps the finish bright.
- Add lemon to taste: Stir the lemon juice in at the end, then taste and adjust so the soup is tangy but still balanced.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh coriander gives the soup a greener, livelier finish than dried herbs; parsley is a milder alternative.
Texture tips
- For a smoother soup: Mash briefly in the pot once the lentils and potato are tender, leaving a little texture for body.
- For a looser consistency: Add a splash of water while reheating or simmering if the lentils thicken more than you like.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for batch cooking: The soup keeps well in the fridge and also freezes successfully, so it works for planned lunches or easy dinners.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a little water if needed, until piping hot throughout.
- Freeze after cooking: Cool completely before freezing in a sealed container, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion. Peel and cut the potato into small cubes, then crush the garlic.
- Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Stir in the garlic and ground cumin and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Add the potato and stir to coat in the spiced oil.
- Add the red lentils, water, fine sea salt and black pepper. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have broken down and the potato is very tender.
- Juice the lemons, reserving a few wedges for serving. Stir the lemon juice into the soup, then taste and adjust with a little more salt or pepper if needed.
- Roughly chop the fresh coriander and stir most of it through the soup. Ladle into bowls and finish with the remaining coriander and the reserved lemon wedges.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Rinse the red lentils in a sieve until the water runs mostly clear to keep the soup tasting clean and bright.
- For a smoother texture, mash the soup briefly with a potato masher in the pot, leaving a little texture.
- If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, ensure the soup is simmered until piping hot throughout before serving.
Substitutions
- Replace Fresh coriander with Fresh parsley for a milder, greener finish.
- Replace Ground cumin with Curry powder for a warmer, more aromatic spice profile.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen, until piping hot; freeze for up to 3 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 45min (15min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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