Recipe: Make Zakia’s Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is my husband’s favorite cold weather comfort food and we love the lentil soup they serve at Zakia. Will they share the recipe? — Phillipa Ashley, Atlanta
When sending the recipe, executive chef Michael Schorn wrote, ”When creating this recipe for Zakia, I wanted it to be full of Lebanese flavors for all seasons. It has quickly become a favorite amongst our clientele and kitchen. Our version is vegetarian, but you can substitute chicken stock for a richer flavor.”
At the restaurant, the soup is served in one-cup portions with their fresh baked pita and a small dish of olive oil mixed with za’atar.
Baharat spice blend is a Middle Eastern mix of spices that can vary by country or region and may include black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cumin, nutmeg and coriander. You can find it online, at Whole Foods Market or at stores that carry Middle Eastern groceries. A simple substitution would be to use 1/4 teaspoon of each of the spices listed above.
If using Morton kosher salt, cut the quantity in half.
Zakia’s Lentil Soup
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup 1/4-inch diced onion
- 1/2 cup 1/4-inch diced carrot
- 1/3 cup 1/4-inch diced celery
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3/4 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
- 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baharat spice blend
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in lentils, salt, baharat spice blend and bay leaf. Cook 3 minutes, then stir in broth, wine and tomato sauce. Reduce heat so mixture simmers and cook 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf, stir in lemon zest, and serve garnished with parsley.
Nutritional information
Per serving: Per serving: 256 calories (percent of calories from fat, 28), 10 grams protein, 32 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams total sugars, 5 grams fiber, 7 grams total fat (1 gram saturated), no cholesterol, 648 milligrams sodium.From the menu of ... Zakia, 3699 Lenox Road NE, Atlanta. 404-205-5762, zakiarestaurant.com.
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