Imagine a soul-warming dish that transports you straight to the heart of Armenian cuisine, where every bite tells a story of tradition and comfort. This Armenian Lentil Soup with Macaroni is not just a recipe—it's a magical blend of wholesome ingredients that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. Packed with protein-rich lentils, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked macaroni, this soup is about to become your new favorite go-to meal that promises to satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Armenian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1/2 cup macaroni
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and celery to the pot, stirring continuously. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Sprinkle cumin over the vegetables and stir to distribute the spice evenly, allowing it to toast for about 30 seconds to enhance its aromatic qualities.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, then add the rinsed lentils. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 20 minutes.
- Add the macaroni to the soup and continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until both the lentils and pasta are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to incorporate the seasonings.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into warm bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any impurities and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Toast the cumin briefly to unlock its deep, aromatic qualities before adding other ingredients.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content and allow the natural flavors to shine.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the soup.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can partially blend some of the soup or add a little more pasta.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro make an excellent garnish and add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
