Aladdin’s Eatery Restaurant is a family-run restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Founded by siblings Ali and Nima, the restaurant has been providing delicious, home-cooked meals to the people of Philadelphia since 2000.
The menu features classic dishes as well as specialties like Aladdin’s famous lentil soup, which is cooked up by Ali, Nima’s brother, using his grandmother’s secret recipe. Now you can make the same dish at home with their easy-to-follow instructions for lentil soup!
This step-by-step guide will help you recreate Aladdin’s classic lentil soup for your family and friends. With this, you’ll be able to enjoy a taste of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine right in your own home. So gather the ingredients and let’s get cooking!
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What is Aladdin’s Lentil Soup?
Aladdin’s Lentil Soup is a Middle Eastern classic that has been served at the family-run restaurant Aladdin’s Eatery in Philadelphia for over 20 years. This hearty soup is made with red lentils, vegetables, and spices for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
This has been passed down through generations of the owners’ family, giving it a unique and authentic taste. This soup has been a favorite of customers for many years.
It’s perfect for those cold winter nights when all you want is a cozy, comforting meal that doesn’t require too much effort. This delicious dish requires only a few minutes of prep time for a delicious, hearty meal that’s full of flavor.
The secret to this lies in the combination of spices used. The cumin adds an earthy nuttiness while the paprika gives it a kick of heat and authentic Middle Eastern flair. Once you try Aladdin’s Lentil Soup, you will see why it has been a staple on the restaurant’s menu for so many years.
What does it taste like?
Aladdin’s Lentil Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that has a unique blend of spices. The red lentils give the soup a hearty texture while the vegetables add sweetness and depth of flavor.
The cumin and paprika provide an earthy, spicy kick that gives it an authentic Middle Eastern flair. The combination of flavors all come together for a satisfyingly delicious dish.
The soup is neither overly spicy nor sweet, but simply flavorful and hearty. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a main course served with some crusty bread or pita chips.
How did I first get introduced to Aladdin’s Lentil Soup?
I first heard about Aladdin’s Lentil Soup when I moved to Philadelphia. My friend and neighbor had just come back from the restaurant and were raving about the delicious soup he had tried there.
He told me it was unlike anything he had ever tasted before, and that I simply had to try it for myself. So one chilly winter night, I decided to take his advice and try Aladdin’s for myself.
As soon as I stepped into the cozy restaurant, I was immediately greeted with a warm welcome from Ali and Nima. After looking over the menu, I decided on the Lentil Soup—I knew it was going to be good!
When my bowl of soup arrived at the table, I could smell the spices and herbs wafting up from it. The soup was absolutely delicious—the red lentils had a hearty texture, while the vegetables added sweetness and depth of flavor.
And those signature spices gave it an authentic Middle Eastern flair that I loved. I finished my bowl in no time at all—it was so good that I wanted more! Since then, I’ve been hooked on Aladdin’s Lentil Soup and have been making it at home with Ali and Nima’s recipe.
Now, when friends come over for dinner, they always request Aladdin’s delicious soup. It’s a great way to enjoy a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine right at home. You won’t regret giving it a try!
How to make Aladdin’s Lentil Soup?
Making Aladdin’s Lentil Soup is surprisingly easy. All you need is a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. To make this delicious soup, follow these step-by-step instructions for the full, authentic experience:
Ingredients
- Olive oil: This is used to sauté the vegetables.
- Onion: This adds an aromatic flavor and a subtle sweetness.
- Carrot: This adds a mellow sweetness and crunch to the soup.
- Red lentils: This is what gives the soup its signature texture and thickness.
- Garlic: Garlic helps to give the soup an intense flavor.
- Chicken broth: This helps to add a depth of flavor and rounds out all the other ingredients.
- Cumin: Cumin adds a nutty, earthy flavor that works so well in this dish.
- Paprika: This is what gives the soup its Middle Eastern flair.
- Salt and pepper to taste: This helps to enhance the flavor of all the other ingredients.
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional): If desired, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and zip to this soup.
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Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients
- Peel and dice the onion.
- Peel and grate the carrot.
- Mince the garlic.
- Rinse the red lentils in a fine mesh strainer until they are free of any debris or dirt.
Step 2
Saute the vegetables
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil, followed by onion, carrots, and garlic.
- Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3
Add the remaining ingredients
- Add in the red lentils, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils are cooked through and soft.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- You can add extra vegetables to the soup, such as celery, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- If you like your soup spicy, add a few shakes of red pepper flakes.
- For added flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- To make it extra creamy, you can stir in a dollop of plain yogurt before serving.
- If you’re looking for something different, try adding a can of chickpeas to the soup for some extra protein.
- For a thicker consistency, you can mash the lentils in the pot with a potato masher before serving.
Ingredients
- Olive oil – 6 tsp
- Onion – 1
- Carrot – 1
- Red lentils – 1 cup
- Garlic – 2 cloves
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving – optional
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious lentil soup. Peel and dice the onion, peel and grate the carrot, mince the garlic, and rinse the red lentils in a fine mesh strainer.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat then add olive oil, followed by the onion, carrot, and garlic. Saute these vegetables until they’re softened and fragrant – about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the red lentils, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low for 20 minutes while the lentils cook through and become soft.
Video
Notes
- You can add extra vegetables to the soup, such as celery, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- If you like your soup spicy, add a few shakes of red pepper flakes.
- For added flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- To make it extra creamy, you can stir in a dollop of plain yogurt before serving.
- If you’re looking for something different, try adding a can of chickpeas to the soup for some extra protein.
- For a thicker consistency, you can mash the lentils in the pot with a potato masher before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Aladdin’s Lentil Soup?
Here are some delicious sides that pair perfectly with Aladdin’s Lentil Soup:
- Fresh, crusty bread or pita chips for dipping.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and broccoli.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp on the side.
- A flavorful couscous salad such as lemon herb or curried.
- Yogurt sauce such as labneh or tzatziki.
- Hummus and pita for a complete Mediterranean feast.
How to store leftover Aladdin’s Lentil Soup?
Leftover Aladdin’s Lentil Soup can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. To store, let the soup cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator until you are ready to enjoy it again.
To reheat the soup, transfer it to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm the soup slowly, stirring often to prevent it from burning. Once it’s heated through, serve and enjoy! If desired, you can add a splash of broth or water to thin out the soup if needed.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely enjoy Aladdin’s Lentil Soup. The ingredients in this soup are all considered safe for pregnancy and the spices used are low in heat. When following the recommended recipe, no additional sugar or salt is added.
This makes it an ideal choice for pregnant women looking for a nutritious and delicious meal option. However, it is important for pregnant women to eat a well-rounded diet with plenty of essential nutrients.
So while Aladdin’s Lentil Soup is an excellent choice, it should be consumed in moderation and accompanied by other nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and plant-based fats.
Eating a variety of healthy foods will ensure that you get all the necessary vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy.
FAQs
Is Aladdin’s Lentil Soup vegan?
Yes, this soup is naturally vegan-friendly. The only ingredient used that contains animal products is chicken broth, which can easily be substituted for vegetable broth to make it fully vegan-friendly.
Can I make Aladdin’s Lentil Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this soup can be made in a slow cooker as well. Start by sautéing the vegetables and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Once softened, add them to the slow cooker along with all the remaining ingredients (except for the lemon wedges). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are soft and cooked through. Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving, with freshly squeezed lemon wedges if desired.
Can I substitute the red lentils for another type of lentil?
Yes, you can substitute red lentils with other types of lentils such as green or brown. However, keep in mind that if you use a different type of lentil the cooking time may vary and the texture could be slightly different. To ensure the best results, check the instructions on the package to determine the appropriate cooking time.
Wrapping Up
I hope you find this article helpful for making Aladdin’s Lentil Soup! Perfectly cooked and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Not only is it incredibly flavorful and comforting, but it is also vegan-friendly, low-maintenance, and packed with essential nutrients.
Thank you for reading this! Please share this article with your friends and family, so they can enjoy this flavorful dish as well.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more