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Arabic Lentil Soup - Shorbat Addas

This is a very typical Arabic soup made with very few ingredients. The taste is amazing and your stomach will thank you if you eat it on a warm, rainy day. Make it a meal by adding torn up pieces of pita bread to your bowl, or fry pieces of pita bread in oil for an arabic style crouton. Some like a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of cumin for extra flavor. A garnish of green onion is nice as well. Great soup for pressure cooker.

4.5 · 2 reviewsRecipe card by Cookie JarvisEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
PalestinianLebaneseSouthwest Asia (middle East)AsianVeganLow Cholesterol
Arabic Lentil Soup - Shorbat Addas

Total time

75 min

Servings

8

Calories

336.1

Category

Grains

Shorbat Addas, or traditional Arabic lentil soup, is a comforting, nutrient-dense staple across the Middle East. This vegan version captures the authentic, earthy flavors of red lentils, aromatic cumin, and fresh lemon, making it a perfect heart-warming meal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

  • 2 onions
  • 1/2 dried red lentils
  • 1 water
  • 8 salt
  • 4 black pepper

Method

  1. In a large pot or pressure cooker, saute chopped onions in vegetable oil until soft.

  2. Rinse dried lentils several times.

  3. Add lentils, water, salt and pepper to the pot.

  4. Bring to boil and simmer for an hour or more until lentils turn yellow in color and are soft and dissolving in broth.

  5. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 15 minutes after pressure has risen. Release pressure before removing lid.

  6. Whisk lentils to make a smooth soup, or stir to blend for a more textured soup.

Cook's notes

  • For an authentic silky texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some lentils whole for added body.
  • Always toast your cumin and turmeric in a little olive oil before adding the broth to release the maximum aromatics from the spices.
  • Serve with a side of crispy, oven-baked pita chips and fresh lemon wedges to brighten the earthiness of the lentils.

Easy swaps

  • Replace red lentils with yellow lentils for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
  • Swap vegetable broth for water if you prefer a lighter base, ensuring you season generously with salt and aromatics.
  • If you lack fresh cilantro for the garnish, fresh flat-leaf parsley provides a similarly bright, herbaceous finish.

Frequently asked

Is Shorbat Addas gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it relies on lentils and vegetables. Just ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.

Why did my lentils turn into a mushy puree?

Red lentils break down significantly faster than other varieties. If you prefer a more textured soup, monitor the cooking time closely and remove from heat as soon as they are tender.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! While the traditional recipe is simple, many cooks add diced carrots or potatoes during the simmering stage for extra fiber and heartiness.

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