Golden Tips for Making Lentil Soup Creamy and Delicious

According to the Cooking Service at Saed News, lentil stew (Adasi) can be served in small portions as an appetizer or in larger portions as a main course. This warm and comforting dish works perfectly for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Thanks to its lentil base, it’s rich in protein, iron, and a variety of essential nutrients and vitamins.

Ingredients for Lentil Stew

• 2 cups of lentils

• 1 potato

• Salt, pepper, and turmeric to taste

• 1 tablespoon of oil

• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

• 1 onion

• 1–2 cloves of garlic

How to Make Lentil Stew

Step 1:
Start by washing the lentils and soaking them in a few cups of water for 2 hours.

Step 2:
Chop the onion and garlic, then sauté them in oil until softened. (If you prefer a smoother texture, you can grate the onion.) Add turmeric, salt, and pepper, and stir well.

Step 3:
Dice the potato and add it to the pan, sautéing briefly. Then stir in the tomato paste and cook until its raw smell disappears.

Step 4:
Add the lentils to the pot, stir, and cook until fully tender. (If you prefer not to use potatoes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of flour.)

Optional: You can add some chopped mushrooms for extra flavor. When serving, drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, and if you like it spicy, add more pepper.

Tips for a Tastier Lentil Stew

• Soaking lentils in water 24 hours before cooking helps maintain their color and reduces bloating.

• If your stew turns out too salty, add a potato to balance the flavor.

• Avoid adding meat, as traditional Adasi is meat-free.

• If the liquid evaporates while cooking, add boiling water.

• Enhance flavor with lemon juice or cumin.

• Potatoes can be pre-cooked, diced, or added raw to cook with the lentils. Mashed cooked potatoes can give your stew a creamier texture.

• For lentils that take longer to cook, soak them in advance or partially cook them in a pressure cooker.

• Sautéing minced mushrooms, onion, tomato paste, and spices together before adding to the lentils enriches the flavor and makes a beautiful garnish.

• You can also use meat broth, bones, or shredded meat for added depth.

• Finish with fresh lemon juice or verjuice for extra zing.

• Garnish with yogurt, cream, or whey for a richer presentation, but let the stew cool slightly so the topping sets nicely.

Enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of lentil stew any time of day—versatile, wholesome, and utterly comforting.