Earthy Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe: Nourishing Detox Delight

Steaming with aromatic spices, this detox Moroccan lentil soup bursts with nourishing flavors that warm the soul.

Rich Mediterranean ingredients dance together in a vibrant culinary celebration.

Packed with healing nutrients, the soup offers a wholesome escape from everyday stress.

Vibrant turmeric and cumin create a depth of flavor that transports you to Moroccan streets.

Fresh vegetables mingle with tender lentils, creating a comforting blend of textures and tastes.

Each spoonful promises a delicious journey through traditional North African cuisine.

Prepare to savor a bowl of pure, restorative goodness that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth, rich foundation for sautéing vegetables and releasing deep flavors.
• Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and creates flavor base for the soup.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes subtle earthy undertones and nutritional depth.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, zesty punch and enhances overall taste profile.
• Sweet Potato: Introduces creamy texture and natural sweetness with high nutritional value.

• Mixed Spices: Creates warm, complex Moroccan-inspired flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens entire dish with tangy, fresh citrus notes.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all ingredient flavors.

• Lentils: Packed with plant-based protein, adds hearty texture and nutritional density.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity, moisture, and rich underlying flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: Creates liquid base and adds additional depth to soup.
• Kale or Spinach: Introduces fresh green nutrients and vibrant color.
• Fresh Herbs: Offers final aromatic garnish with bright, clean flavor finish.

Kitchen Items for Moroccan Lentil Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: The star of this soup-making adventure, perfect for sautéing and simmering all ingredients together.
• Cutting Board: Essential for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and sweet potatoes safely and cleanly.
• Sharp Knife: Your trusty companion for precise vegetable preparation and ingredient chopping.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during the cooking process.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities for the perfect flavor balance.
• Ladle: Great for serving the soup smoothly into bowls without mess.

How to Prepare Moroccan Lentil Soup

• Kick Off the Flavor Base

Heat a large pot and dance some olive oil into it. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery, letting them soften and mingle for about 5 minutes. Add garlic, sweet potato chunks, and a symphony of warming spices, stirring until everything becomes fragrant and golden.

• Liquid Magic Transformation

Pour in lentils, diced tomatoes, and broth, creating a delicious liquid landscape. Bring the mixture to a bubbling boil, then lower the heat and let everything simmer gently. Cover the pot and allow the ingredients to get cozy and tender for 30-35 minutes.

• Final Flourish

Brighten the soup with a zesty splash of lemon juice and tumble in fresh kale or spinach. Let the greens dance and wilt for a few minutes. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning to make your taste buds sing. Ladle the vibrant soup into bowls and crown with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a stunning finish.

Moroccan Lentil Soup Tips & Tweaks

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for an extra depth of warmth and complexity to the soup's taste profile.
• Prepare the soup in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, as the flavors actually improve with time and develop a richer taste.
• Swap lentils with quinoa or replace with chickpeas for different protein sources, perfect for those wanting variety in their plant-based diet.
• For gluten-free needs, ensure broth is certified gluten-free, and for vegan diets, use vegetable broth and skip any dairy-based garnishes when serving.

Serve Detox Lentil Soup Like a Pro

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Top the soup with chopped cilantro, parsley, or mint for a burst of bright, fresh flavor that complements the warm Moroccan spices and adds a vibrant green touch.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Crunch Factor: Enhance texture by adding a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, or crispy chickpea croutons for a delightful contrast to the creamy soup base.
• Bread Pairing: Accompany the soup with warm whole grain flatbread, crusty sourdough, or traditional Moroccan khobz to soak up the delicious broth and complete the dining experience.

Storage & Planning for Moroccan Lentil Soup

• Whip up double the soup quantity and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick, nutritious meals throughout the week. Perfect for busy professionals and meal preppers.
• This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Divide into individual serving containers, leaving slight space for expansion, ensuring delicious emergency meals are always ready.
• Stored in sealed containers, the soup stays fresh for 4-5 days. Pro tip: Keep greens separate when storing to maintain their vibrant texture and prevent wilting.
• Allow soup to rest overnight in the refrigerator, which helps spices meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious meal when reheated gently on the stovetop.

Hearty Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Moroccan lentil soup offers a hearty journey through North African spices, blending earthy legumes with aromatic herbs. Rich flavors and nourishing ingredients make this soup a comforting companion you’ll crave during cool evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable broth or water
• 1 cup (200 g) dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tsps ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Juice of ½ lemon or 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Base Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and fragrant. Introduce garlic, sweet potato, and spice blend, allowing the ingredients to release their essential oils and develop a rich, deep flavor profile.
2. Liquid Integration and Simmering: Incorporate lentils, diced tomatoes, and broth into the vegetable mixture. Elevate heat to trigger a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the soup harmonize its flavors, allowing lentils and sweet potatoes to tenderize completely, approximately 30-35 minutes.
3. Final Flourish and Presentation: Brighten the soup with fresh lemon juice and fold in kale or spinach, permitting the greens to wilt gracefully. Calibrate seasoning to taste, ensuring a balanced and vibrant flavor. Transfer the aromatic soup into serving vessels, adorning with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant, nourishing finish.

Notes

• Gently toast spices before adding liquid to enhance their depth and prevent a raw, bitter taste. This technique releases essential oils, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Avoid overcooking lentils by checking tenderness at 25-30 minutes. Perfectly cooked lentils should be soft but still hold their shape, preventing a mushy consistency.
• Add kale or spinach in the last 5 minutes to maintain vibrant color, nutrients, and prevent wilting into an unappealing texture.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the soup’s earthy flavors and add a refreshing tang that cuts through the rich, warming spices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg