During Ramadan, everyone is on the lookout for easy and delicious iftar recipes to make. This roundup of tested and perfected middle eastern iftar recipes will keep your family delighted and satisfied!

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Table of Contents

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, which requires us to fast from sunrise to sunset, for 30 days. This includes fasting from both food and drink. By fasting and abstaining from things we take for granted (like food and water), it will allow us to reflect on the purpose of life and grow a closer connection to God.

Ramadan is also a month full of charity, kindness, and spirituality. Muslims tend to increase their charity to the needy, and strengthen their spiritual connection with Allah. It’s a beautiful month that revolves around community, and there’s so much more information about it online.

The Health Benefits of Fasting

If you have heard about the latest health trends such as intermittent fasting, you may already be familiar with the health benefits of fasting from food for a period of time.

Fasting has numerous benefits such as weight loss, decreasing inflammation, decreasing blood sugar levels, boosting your metabolism, and even helping with heart health. The benefits are so great, and all are backed by science.

What is Iftar?

The meal that Muslims consume when we break our fast at sunset is termed iftar. It simply means the “breaking of the fast”. It’s the most anticipated meal for the day! While fasting, much of our thoughts are occupied by what we want to eat!

Iftar meals are not meant to be extravagant, but culturally it is typical for most families (if they have the means) to cook a variety of dishes and create an iftar spread for the family. Many Muslims also gather with friends and family to break their fast together.

There’s an Arabic saying that goes “your eyes are bigger than your stomach” and this couldn’t more true during Ramadan! While fasting, we are obviously hungry, so we want to eat so much. But as soon as we break our fast, since fasting helps to shrink the stomach, we actually don’t end up eating much at all!

What is Traditionally Served at Iftar?

Since the body has been fasting, it’s best to ease the digestive system into eating. That’s why it’s typical for iftar to start with the following food:

  • A glass of water to re-hydrate the body
  • Dates which are high in natural sugars and will provide an energy boost. Your body needs to rejuvenate with the right carbohydrates, and dates are a healthy source
  • Soup, most commonly lentil soup, also to continue the re-hydration process and prime the digestive system

After this, a typical spread of appetizers and mains follows. This can include a variety of vegetarian, chicken, beef, or rice based dishes, depending on what the family is craving. It’s usually important to vary the food each day to keep things exciting. And of course, desserts always follow too!

Below I have a collection of recipes organized by category for your convenience.

Iftar Soups

Soups are always served at iftar, no matter what the main meal is. This is to help re-hydrate the body and prime the digestive system.

Middle Eastern Lentil Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

5 from 58 ratings
This Middle Eastern lentil soup recipe requires just a few ingredients, and not too much prep for the most creamy and amazingly flavorful soup! I’ve included instructions for making this lentil soup with red lentils in the Instant Pot and on the stovetop. If you know anything about Middle Eastern food, then you know that lentil soup is quite popular in every Arabic country.
Check out this recipe!
yellow lentil soup served in a bowl, on a tray with a bowl of dates and a bowl of lemon wedges

Authentic Moroccan Harira Soup with Lentils

5 from 37 ratings
This classic Moroccan Harira soup is zingy, earthy, and comforting, filled with nutritious ingredients like chickpeas, lentils and noodles, and flavoured with warm middle eastern spices.
Check out this recipe!
Moroccan harira soup served in a small soup bowl, garnished with fresh parsley, with a spoon inside the bowl.

Cauliflower Soup with Caramelized Onions

5 from 16 ratings
This 4 ingredient soup is really simple, but has one simple trick that will yield a deeply flavourful soup!
Check out this recipe!
Cauliflower soup served in two bowls, and garnished with pieces of cauliflower and parsley

Instant Pot Roasted Red Pepper Soup

4.8 from 5 ratings
This Roasted Red Pepper Soup gets its amazing flavor from charred red peppers and roasted onions and tomatoes. Made with simple ingredients and made super creamy using coconut cream. Roast the peppers in the oven and let the instant pot do the rest of the work!
Check out this recipe!
roasted red pepper soup served in a bowl garnished with coconut cream and basil leaves

Appetizers, Salads and Dips

There is usually a selection of appetizers traditionally served at iftar. This includes crunchy pastries like sambousek or cheese rolls, as well as salads and dips.

How to make Homemade Sambousek

5 from 9 ratings
This Arabic sambousek recipe is the perfect crunchy appetizer to serve at any dinner! And I make mine with a hack I discovered years ago using ready made spring roll pastry — so easy! Whether you like sambousek with a meat filling or with a vegetarian potato filling, I've got you covered. This freezer friendly recipe is also super handy for Ramadan.
Check out this recipe!
Sambousak filled with meat and served on a tray

Sigara Boregi

5 from 13 ratings
Sigara Boregi is a fried Turkish spring roll, typically stuffed with feta cheese and deep fried until super crispy. In this recipe, we use mozzarella, feta, parsley and chives for the perfect balance of flavours! They are so easy to make and irresistible!
Check out this recipe!
Sigara Boregi, a middle eastern cheese spring roll, on a newspaper covered plate, served with a bowl of yogurt.

Authentic Homemade Fatayer (Spinach and Cheese)

4.9 from 24 ratings
Fatayer are savoury middle eastern pies filled with either a tangy spinach filling, delicious cheesy filling or meat. They are delicious as a snack or for breakfast!
Check out this recipe!
Spinach fatayer on a platter with the top one open to reveal spinach and onion stuffing

Manakish (Cheese and Za’atar)

5 from 56 ratings
A Middle Eastern flatbread made with a soft dough and topped with either a mix of cheese and nigella seeds or a Za'atar and olive oil blend. A delicious way to start your day – always with a cup of tea.
Check out this recipe!
Cheese manakish served on a tray

Lahm Bi Ajeen / Sfiha (Middle Eastern Flatbread)

5 from 48 ratings
Lahm Bi Ajeen or Sfiha is an Authentic Middle Eastern Flatbread made with perfectly spiced beef and a delicious soft dough. It's a must try.
Check out this recipe!
Lahm Bi Ajeen piled on a dark coloured tray with parchment, garnished with lemon wedges, parsley and onion slices on a light coloured background with a bowl of sliced onions and parsley in a bowl in the corner, lemon wedges in a bowl in the bottom corner and 2 cups of tea in the corner

30-Minute Fattet Hummus (Canned Chickpeas)

5 from 1 rating
Middle Eastern Fattet Hummus is made up of layers of crispy pita bread, chickpeas, a tangy garlic yogurt sauce, and topped with crunchy almonds and garlic olive oil. Its a classic brunch dish that you must try!
Check out this recipe!
White ceramic bowl with a heaping serving of Fattet Hummus, served with a silver spoon and small bowls of garnish

Traditional Creamy Hummus

5 from 9 ratings
This creamy hummus is SO easy to make and much better than the store bought stuff! You just need a food processor to make this ultimate creamy dip that goes with anything.
Check out this recipe!
Creamy hummus served in a bowl and garnished with chickpeas parsley and lemon wedges

Baba Ganoush (Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip)

5 from 6 ratings
Baba ganoush is a Middle Eastern eggplant dip made with roasted eggplant, pomegranate molasses and finely chopped vegetables. I think it deserves just as much buzz as hummus! It's so easy to make at home and can be used in a variety of ways. Try it and you'll see.
Check out this recipe!
Baba ganoush with pomegranate and parsley on top in a white and blue patterend bowl on a large white plate surrounded with pita chips on a light marble background

Mediterranean Eggplant Dip (With Tomato & Onion)

5 from 26 ratings
A great alternative to Baba Ghanoush, try this Roasted Eggplant Dip made with simple ingredients such as onions, eggplant, tomato paste, pomegranate molasses, paprika and garlic cloves. It's all baked together in the oven to enhance the eggplant flavor and create the perfect dip!
Check out this recipe!
Eggplant dip served in a blue bowl, garnished with walnuts and parsley

Jajik (Cucumber, yogurt & mint salad)

5 from 12 ratings
Jajik is a refreshing yogurt salad made with cucumbers, mint and garlic. It’s the perfect side to serve with grilled meat or rice. It’s easy to make and only takes a few minutes. Must try!
Check out this recipe!
Jajik Cucumber yogurt and mint salad

Lebanese Moussaka (Maghmour | Vegan)

5 from 29 ratings
This Lebanese Moussaka is a delicious vegan eggplant, onion and chickpea stew cooked in tomato sauce. It’s flavoured with garlic and warm spices like cinnamon and cumin to create a magical final result! It’s quick, easy and super flavourful.
Check out this recipe!
Vegan Lebanese Moussaka served in a dish with pita bread

Malfouf Salad (Lebanese Cabbage Salad)

5 from 13 ratings
A simple but very flavourful Lebanese slaw made with shredded cabbage, herbs and a tangy dressing. It makes the perfect side to any middle eastern dinner!
Check out this recipe!
malfouf salad served in a green plate with lemons and cutlery

Crunchy Bulgur Salad with Easy Dressing

5 from 10 ratings
A fresh, crunchy bulgur salad bursting with flavour and perfect to make ahead! This salad uses coarse bulgur and has cucumbers, red peppers, green onions and parsley, topped with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The best part is the addition of crunchy almonds and sweet raisins!
Check out this recipe!
A bowl of colorful bulgur salad with diced vegetables, herbs, raisins, and slivered almonds sits on a patterned cloth next to a small dish of extra almonds and a glass of drink.

The Best Tabouli Salad

5 from 11 ratings
This is the best Tabouli recipe around. Finely chopped parsley, tomato, and green onions, mixed with the best ever dressing: lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper! Trust me – once you try it, you'll be making it over and over again
Check out this recipe!
Tabouli salad in a red wood bowl with wooden handled serving spoons, a small glass pitcher of olive oil with tabouli salad in a smaller white bowl with a metal spoon in it on a light marble background

Fattoush Salad (Restaurant-style)

4.9 from 8 ratings
This vibrant restaurant-style fattoush salad is going to wow you with the crunch and tang! Fresh vegetables are roughly chopped and then drizzled with a tangy olive oil, lemon juice and pomegranate molasses dressing. The iconic crunchy pita make this salad quite addictive!
Check out this recipe!
A vibrant Fattoush salad with sliced radishes, lettuce, chopped vegetables, pita chips, and pomegranate seeds is served on a decorative platter with two serving utensils. Radishes and greens are arranged beside the platter.

Main Dishes – Chicken

Whether you have bone-in or boneless chicken, whole or cut, there’s definitely a chicken recipe for you! Chicken is very versatile and easy to cook.

Shawarma Rice with White Sauce (in one pot!)

5 from 112 ratings
This chicken shawarma rice cooked all in one pot is the best weekday dinner. Yellow rice, perfectly spiced chicken and the most amazing white sauce make the ultimate combination. A must try!
Check out this recipe!
Shawarma rice consisting of yellow rice with chicken pieces in a plate, drizzled with white sauce and with a green salad on the side.

Chicken Machboos (Rice & Chicken Kabsa)

5 from 58 ratings
This chicken Machboos is a popular Arabic rice dish. Onions, garlic, dry lime, cinnamon, cardamom and bay leaves are used to perfectly spice the rice to perfection. It’s served with chicken that’s been crisped up, along with toasted pine nuts and raisins. Such a soul satisfying dish and a must try for any lover of Arabic food!
Check out this recipe!
chicken machboos served in a dish with chicken legs, pine nuts and raisins

Chicken Mandi (Yemeni Chicken & Yellow Rice)

5 from 37 ratings
This chicken and rice dish is not your average recipe – a traditional Yemeni recipe that combines succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned with a warm spice blend and served with glistening yellow rice, topped with fried onions, almond and raisins. There's nothing like it!
Check out this recipe!
Chicken and rice served on a white platter topped with cilantro, almonds, and raisins.

Honey Za’atar Roasted Chicken Drumsticks

5 from 28 ratings
This honey za’atar roasted chicken makes the best weeknight dinner. With an easy marinade with a flavorful blend of za’atar (a Middle Eastern herb and spice blend), honey, and garlic, the chicken drumsticks are then roasted up to perfection in the oven alongside potatoes. Crispy chicken, fork-tender potatoes, served with bread to mop up all of the delicious juices. Best part? This dish is ready in under 1 hour!
Check out this recipe!
an enamelled white baking dish with blue rim with cooked chicken drumsticks and potato cubes

Sumac Chicken and Onion (Sheet Pan Dinner)

4.9 from 32 ratings
This Sumac Chicken and Onion sheet pan dinner is bursting with Middle Eastern spices and requires very little effort to make! Simply marinate the chicken and onion slices then pop in the oven. The flavours are inspired by classic Palestinian Musakhan. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner.
Check out this recipe!
A large sheet pan lined with parchment paper with cooked chicken thighs and cooked slices of red onions, lemon wedges, and a serving spoon. Everything is garnished with toasted pine nuts and parsley.

Shish Tawook | Grilled Chicken Skewers

5 from 22 ratings
Tender chicken breast pieces marinated in yogurt, spices and tomato paste, grilled to perfection. Serve as a side or part of the main course, these shish tawook skewers make a delicious weeknight family meal. 
Check out this recipe!
Grilled chicken skewers served on a plate

Marinated Chicken Joojeh Kabab (Grill or Bake)

5 from 10 ratings
These delicious Persian chicken kabobs are marinated overnight in a juicy yogurt and saffron marinade to yield the most succulent and uniquely flavoured grilled chicken!
Check out this recipe!
Chicken skewers, rice and vegetables served on a white ceramic platter with herbs sprinkled over, and purple glasses in the background.

Pomegranate Chicken Recipe (Air Fryer Drumsticks)

4.9 from 18 ratings
These pomegranate air fryer drumsticks are tangy, sweet and spicy – the perfect combination.
Check out this recipe!
Chicken drumsticks glazed in pomegranate sauce served on a plate

Arabic Biryani

5 from 34 ratings
Authentic Arabic Biryani comes together with fragrant yellow rice, spiced chicken, peas, potatoes, sweet raisins and crunchy almonds. A true celebration of Iraqi cuisine – it’s a must try dish!
Check out this recipe!
A close-up of a bowl filled with rice, shredded chicken, roasted potatoes, nuts, and parsley showcases a vibrant Arabic Biryani. The dish is served on a light cloth with plates, forks, and glasses in the background on a light surface.

Ridiculously Good Mediterranean chicken (Oven)

4.9 from 28 ratings
This mediterranean chicken is roasted in the oven with potatoes and green beans, marinated in the easiest sauce that comes together in a food processor. You get crispy chicken skin, juicy chicken, and lots of pan juices to mop up with bread!
Check out this recipe!
Baked mediterranean chicken with potatoes and green beans in a white and blue rimmed baking dish with a metal spoon on a blue tiled background

Main Dishes – Beef and Lamb

Here are a variety of beef recipes, whether you’re using ground beef or bone-in beef. These recipes are all great choices for iftar, and they vary by cooking time and complexity, so be sure to click the recipe to find out more!

Bechamel Pasta Bake (Macarona Bechamel)

4.9 from 72 ratings
This comforting Bechamel Pasta Bake is so delicious and requires simple ingredients. Make the pasta and the meat sauce, but the magic behind this dish is the silky Bechamel sauce that gets poured on top. Delicious!
Check out this recipe!
A slice of Bechamel Pasta bake on a plate with a piece cut out using a fork

Maqluba (Makloubeh) with Lamb (Arabic rice dish)

5 from 115 ratings
Maqluba is a layered dish that is served by flipping upside down to reveal layers of vegetables (commonly eggplant, potato and cauliflower), meat and rice. It’s so flavourful because everything cooks together in one pot. It’s also highly customizable and made across many middle eastern countries. If you love Arabic food… this is the dish to try!
Check out this recipe!
Maqluba served in a platter garnished with almonds and parsley. Forks, water cups, a plate with almonds in it, and a bowl with cucumber and yogurt is on the right top side of the frame

Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)

4.8 from 49 ratings
Arayes are a classic middle eastern street food. Pita bread, stuffed with spiced ground beef and grilled (or baked) to perfection. Enjoy them with a yogurt or tahini dipping sauce as a lunch or light dinner! They are quick and perfect for using up some ground beef.
Check out this recipe!
Pita stuffed with ground beef and grilled, stacked in a pile of three

Juicy Beef Kafta Kabobs (Skewers or Patties)

5 from 33 ratings
This kafta kabob (or “kofta” or “kefta”) is so simple and delicious. Made usingground beef that’s skewered and perfectly seasoned with Arabic spices, thisrecipe is versatile and comes together in under 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe!
Kafta skewers served on pita bread with onions and parsley

Tender Beef Shawarma (Quick Stovetop Method)

5 from 8 ratings
Homemade tender beef shawarma is perfect in wraps with tahini sauce, and it only needs a few ingredients to make!
Check out this recipe!
beef shawarma strips served in a green bowl with onion slices and garnished with chopped parsley

Easy Potato Moussaka With Eggplant

4.9 from 38 ratings
A delicious comfort dish made with baked eggplant, spiced meat, and fluffy mashed potatoes. So delicious and easy!
Check out this recipe!
A yellow baking dish filled with shepherd’s pie, reminiscent of a hearty potato moussaka, is topped with golden mashed potatoes and fresh herbs. A spoon rests in the dish, revealing the savory meat filling beneath.

30-Minute Arabic Pasta with Yogurt Sauce

5 from 16 ratings
This Arabic pasta is the perfect solution to a lighter “white sauce” pasta. Its made with a yogurt, garlic and tahini sauce and layered with ground beef spiced with warm middle eastern spices. Top it with fresh herbs and crunch pine nuts, and you’ve got the perfect weeknight dinner.
Check out this recipe!
Arabic pasta served on a plate garnished with nuts and fresh herbs

Iraqi Dolma (Middle Eastern Stuffed Vegetables)

5 from 37 ratings
This authentic Iraqi Dolma recipe may be a labour of love, but it is so worth it! If you ever wanted to be transported to Iraq through your taste buds, this is the recipe to try!
Check out this recipe!
Iraqi dolma (vegetables stuffed with rice and meat) served in a blue patterned plate

Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo meat pie)

5 from 29 ratings
This Egyptian Goulash is an easy meat pie recipe that looks so impressive on your table but takes little time to put together. The end result is a crunchy pastry filled with a delicious beef stuffing seasoned with warm spices. Must try! It’s simple to make and can even be made ahead of time.
Check out this recipe!
Egyptian goulash in a pan with one piece cut out

Mediterranean Eggplant Casserole (Kafta Bil Sanieh)

5 from 14 ratings
This authentic Mediterranean Eggplant Casserole is made up of layers of Kafta, Potato, Eggplant, Onions, Peppers and tomato, all cooked in a delicious tomato sauce. It’s addictive!!
Check out this recipe!
Mediterranean Eggplant Casserole served in a baking dish

Fragrant Lamb Kabsa (Restaurant Style)

5 from 25 ratings
Authentic lamb kabsa is made up of fragrant long-grain rice cooked with tender lamb, using aromatic warm whole spices, resulting in the most delicious meal ever!
Check out this recipe!
Lamb kabsa served on a white platter with a silver spoon, surrounded by glasses of water and bowls of yogurt.

Quzi (Authentic Iraqi Recipe)

5 from 23 ratings
This recipe features tender lamb served over a bed of yellow rice and garnished with crunch almond and raisins. An Iraqi national dish for celebrations and gatherings.
Check out this recipe!
A platter of Quzi-style cooked lamb shanks served over yellow rice with raisins, herbs, and nuts, accompanied by bowls of yogurt, tomato stew, chopped herbs, cutlery, and salt shakers nearby.

Stuffed Eggplant Boats with Ground Beef

5 from 6 ratings
Eggplants are a staple in Middle Eastern cooking. We stuff, sauté, layer and even blend them into many recipes! This simple recipe for stuffed, baked eggplants combines select spices with ground beef, eggplant flesh, onions and tomato sauce. Drizzle with homemade yogurt sauce, and enjoy!
Check out this recipe!
Stuffed eggplants placed on a plate drizzled with yogurt and garnished with nuts

Stews and Rice

Another typical middle eastern iftar meal consists of rice served with a variety of meat and vegetable based stews. These are generally simple to make and full of flavour!

Fasolia Yabsa (Iraqi White Bean Stew)

5 from 25 ratings
This dish is the ultimate Middle Eastern comfort food. Fasolia yabsa, which means dry beans, is a delicious stew made with meat broth, white beans, and tomato paste. It’s served with rice and packs so much flavour. A must try Arabic classic!
Check out this recipe!
Fasolia white bean stew served in a white pot

Okra Stew (Middle Eastern Bamya Recipe)

5 from 33 ratings
Okra stew, or "bamya" in Arabic, is a classic dish served in many countries across the middle east. It's typically cooked with beef, lamb or veal and served with rice. It's so comforting and the best way to enjoy okra!
Check out this recipe!
Okra stew in a white handled serving bowl with a blue bowl with okra stew and rice, a blue bowl with rice, a white plate with whole green onions and parsley, a small white bowl with black pepper, a light green tea towel under the serving bowl on a white and blue tiled patterned background

Dawood Basha (Middle Eastern Meatballs Stew)

5 from 22 ratings
A middle eastern meatballs stew made of spiced meatballs, potato cubes and peas simmered in a delicious tomato sauce. It's a comfort dish that is packed with flavour, and typically served with some vermicelli rice. So good!
Check out this recipe!
Meatball stew with peas and potato served in a pot

Arabic Rice with Vermicelli

5 from 19 ratings
This classic Arabic Rice with Vermicelli noodles is served as a side next to many Middle Eastern dishes such as stews and meats. It’s SO easy to make but be warned: it’s addictive. You only need 3 main ingredients: vermicelli noodles, rice, and oil. Give it a try!
Check out this recipe!
Arabic rice with vermicelli served in a plate with blue pattern

Baghali Polo or Timman Bagilla (Dill Rice)

5 from 14 ratings
Baghali Polo or Iraqi Timman Bagilla is a popular rice dish made with fava beans and dill. It’s so flavourful and comes together in one pot. You can make it with meat or keep it vegetarian. A must try if you are bored of plain old rice!
Check out this recipe!
Baghali polo served on a white platter, garnished with radish and dill, with a white side plate full of rice

Hashweh Rice (Arabic Keema Rice with ground beef)

5 from 30 ratings
Hashweh rice is delicious Middle Eastern rice with ground beef and vegetables. Seasoned with warm spices and cooked to fluffy perfection, it’s the perfect complete meal in one pot! 
Check out this recipe!
A white platter filled with mixed rice, ground meat, peas, carrot pieces, and topped with toasted slivered almonds and fresh herbs, with a serving spoon beside it on a blue background.

Instant Pot Tomato Rice

4.8 from 6 ratings
A quick vegetarian rice dish that's full of flavor
Check out this recipe!
A bowl of vibrant Instant Pot Tomato Rice garnished with fresh cilantro sits on a white surface beside another bowl with red onion slices and cilantro. Two metal spoons rest in the rice bowl, and both bowls feature delicate blue floral patterns.

The Best Carrot Rice Recipe (Iraqi Timman Jizar)

4.9 from 24 ratings
This carrot rice recipe, also known as Timman Jizar, is an incredible Iraqi vegetarian recipe and basmati rice dish! Flavoured with onions, grated carrots, tomato, and a hint of cinnamon, it strikes the perfect balance. This quick and easy carrot rice recipe is ready to serve within just 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe!
Carrot rice served in a white plate, garnished with fried almonds on a grey background

If you tried these recipes, please consider leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page – I’d love to hear from you! You can also hop on over to Instagram and say hello!

yellow lentil soup served in a bowl, on a tray with a bowl of dates and a bowl of lemon wedges
4.95 from 58 ratings

Middle Eastern Lentil Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Yield: 8 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Author: Amina Al-Saigh
This Middle Eastern lentil soup recipe requires just a few ingredients, and not too much prep for the most creamy and amazingly flavorful soup! I’ve included instructions for making this lentil soup with red lentils in the Instant Pot and on the stovetop. If you know anything about Middle Eastern food, then you know that lentil soup is quite popular in every Arabic country.
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 onions, diced
  • 1 potato, diced
  • 1 carrot, diced (optional)
  • 2 cups red lentils
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more per preference
  • 1.5 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, more or less per preference
  • 8-10 cups water or chicken stock
  • 1 chicken stock cube, if using water
  • Lemon juice, optional
  • Crunchy pita chips, optional

Instructions
 

  • Start by peeling and chopping the onions and potatoes into large chunks. If you don’t want to blend the soup at the end, then dice them into smaller cubes
  • In the Instant Pot (I used 8Qt for this size – see notes), add the vegetable oil, potatoes, onions, and spices and cook for 5 minutes on saute mode. If using stove top, use a regular soup pot
  • Add the lentils and water, mix well ensuring you scrape the bottom of the pot, and secure the instant pot lid. If using stove top, cover the pot
  • If using Instant Pot, pressure cook for 15 minutes. The Instant Pot will take approximately 10-15 minutes to come to pressure
  • If using stove top, allow it to boil for 40-60 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Adjust the liquid and salt half way through
  • For the Instant Pot, manually release the pressure valve and blend the soup using a hand mixer
  • For the stove top, you can leave it chunky or blend it as well
  • Taste and adjust the salt and also the water. If you like it thinner, add more water and allow it to cook for a few more minutes on saute mode
  • If you’re making the crunchy pita topping, simply cut pita bread into small squares and fry on medium heat using 3-4 tablespoons of oil. Continue stirring until golden and crunchy
  • Serve with a squeeze of lemon and crunchy pita on top

Notes

  • If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can follow the directions and cook on the stove top instead of pressure cooking. Cook time will be closer to 40-60 minutes.
  • I used an 8 Qt instant pot for this batch size. You can halve the recipe and use a 6 Qt instant pot
  • You can skip adding the potatoes if you don’t have any (but don’t skip the onion!)
  • You can also add carrots to this soup, the same way the potatoes and onions are added
  • Adjust the thickness of the soup at the end by adding more water for a thinner soup or allow it to boil for a thicker soup. This recipe yields a thick consistency
Serving: 1g, Calories: 242kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 0.1mg, Sodium: 421mg, Potassium: 621mg, Fiber: 15g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 1299IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 43mg, Iron: 4mg
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review below!