Description
A bright, zesty, and incredibly comforting soup that utilizes preserved lemon peel, Aleppo pepper, and a fresh herb oil to create sophisticated layers of flavor. A nutrient-dense, plant-forward meal finished with citrusy herb oil and tangy lemon yogurt.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 4 tbsp EVOO (divided), 1 yellow onion (diced), 3 carrots (diced)
- 6 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp preserved lemon peel (chopped)
- 1–2 tsp Aleppo pepper, 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 cup green/brown lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup water
- 2–3 tbsp nutritional yeast, Bouquet Garni (bay leaves/thyme)
For Serving
- 1 lemon (zest/juice), 1 cup fresh herbs (basil/dill/parsley)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (optional), Flaky sea salt, Crusty bread
Instructions
Aromatics: Sauté onion in 2 tbsp oil until golden (10-15 mins). Add carrots, garlic, and preserved lemon; cook 5 mins. Toast Aleppo pepper and coriander for 30 seconds.
Simmer: Add broth, water, lentils, Bouquet Garni, and pepper. Boil, then simmer covered for 20 mins until lentils are tender.
Toppings: Mix chopped herbs, lemon zest, 2 tbsp oil, and salt for the Herb Oil. Optionally mix yogurt with lemon juice.
Finish: Discard herbs. Stir in nutritional yeast and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Adjust seasoning.
Serve: Top bowls with Herb Oil and lemon yogurt. Serve with crusty bread.
Notes
Preserved Lemon Tip: Use only the peel; discard the salty pulp. Rinse the peel before chopping to better control sodium levels.
Umami Boost: Nutritional yeast provides a savory depth that replaces the need for cheese or meat, keeping the base vegan-friendly.
Texture: For a thicker soup, mash a small portion of the lentils against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup / Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 14
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: mediterranean lentil soup, preserved lemon recipe, aleppo pepper soup, healthy lentil recipes, herb oil finishing sauce