Shorbat adas, red lentil soup, is the Levantine bowl of comfort that appears at dinner tables, street stalls, and winter evenings across Jordan. It is simple, cheap, and nourishing — exactly the kind of food that has fed families for generations. Every cook has a version, but the soul is always the same: silky lentils, warm cumin, and a bright squeeze of lemon.
A golden bowl of pure comfort
Blended until velvety, the soup is rich and earthy, brightened by lemon and deepened by a sizzle of garlic and cumin in olive oil. Crisp croutons of fried pita add crunch on top, and a pinch of cayenne gives it a gentle warmth. It comes together in under an hour from pantry staples, which is why it is a weekday lifesaver. Ladle it into deep bowls, add the crispy bread, and let the lemon and cumin do their quiet magic. It is best eaten hot, with extra lemon wedges on the table for anyone who likes a brighter bowl.
Craving more? Explore all Jordanian Kitchen recipes.
Stocking a Middle Eastern pantry? Our guide to 20 essential Middle Eastern pantry ingredients covers everything this dish uses.


Join the conversation
Only members can comment — it takes a few seconds to create a free account.
Log in Create an account