Apricot Lentil Soup Recipe

This heartwarming Armenian apricot lentil soup is the perfect cozy meal for a chilly evening! Rich, flavorful, and surprisingly sweet and tangy, it's a family favorite that's both quick to make and freezes beautifully. Enjoy it hot or cold – pureed for a velvety smooth texture or chunky for added bite. This versatile soup is packed with flavor and sure to become your new go-to comfort food.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 189.5 kcal
Protein 20g
Rating 4.0 (2 Reviews)
Apricot Lentil Soup

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Apricot Lentil Soup

  • Olive Oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Dried Apricot
  • Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Fresh Oregano
  • Fresh Thyme
  • Vegetable Stock
  • Crushed Tomatoes
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Red Lentils

How to Make Apricot Lentil Soup

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
  2. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, to the pot.
  3. Sauté until the onion is translucent and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add 1 cup dried apricots, chopped, and cook, stirring constantly, until softened, shiny, and slightly browned, about 4 minutes.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in 6 cups of vegetable or chicken stock, 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes (undrained), and 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed.
  7. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  8. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  9. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and puree until smooth. Alternatively, leave some lentils whole for a chunkier texture.
  10. Garnish each bowl with a lemon wedge, a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt, and a fresh sprig of thyme (optional).

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

29g

Fat

2g

Carbs

11g