Join KindChef Alexa to make a Authentic Arabic Lentil Soup (based on this recipe from Zen and Zaatar). After completing your soup, freeze and label it for donation, then drop off at one of our participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or anyplace that you prefer, when convenient. Finally, report on where you shared your KindSoup and spread the word: Post a picture or two of you and your soups on social media with #DoKindWorks and tag us @DoKindWorks.
Authentic Arabic Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups red lentils (thoroughly washed)
- 16 cups water *
- 6 tsp vegetable bouillon *
- 6 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 12 tbsp olive oil divided
- 4 yellow onions finely diced
- salt to taste (¼-1/2 tsp)
- 8 lemons juiced, for serving
Pita chips (optional)
- 8 pita rounds
- 8 tbsp olive oil
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- If making pita chips, preheat the oven to 400F. Separate pita rounds with a knife, so that they are only one layer thick. Cut into about 1-inch squares and toss with olive oil and salt. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 7-10 minutes, until crispy.
- Prepare crispy, sautéed onions. Heat 9 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add finely diced onions, spread them evenly into a single layer, and let them cook without stirring, until the bottom becomes golden and crisp. Cook them for about 30-40 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway, or as needed. Remove the onions from the pan and place them on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb excess moisture.
- While the onions are crisping, add the washed red lentils, water, black pepper, cumin, and vegetable bouillon to a large pot. Bring to a boil, and simmer on low heat for 25-35 mins, until the lentils are tender and breaking down into the liquid.
- For a smoother texture, blend with an immersion blender directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer to a blender, purée until smooth, and return to the pot.**
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and half of the sautéed onions into the soup, and heat through for a few more minutes to infuse flavor.
- Serve with plenty of fresh lemon juice and the remaining sautéed onions sprinkled on top. Top with freshly cracked black pepper, pita chips, and parsley if desired. Enjoy!***
NOTES:
- *To substitute vegetable broth, replace the water and vegetable bouillon with 16 cups of vegetable broth, and adjust salt to taste.
- **You can skip blending the soup for more texture.
- ***For serving: Offer lemon juice or lemon halves for guests to squeeze into their soup. Serve sautéed onions and pita chips on the side for guests to garnish individual bowls.
- For gluten-free: Simply omit the pita bread or use a gluten-free alternative.
- This soup may thicken or separate over time, especially in the fridge. Simply thin it with some water and stir or whisk, if needed, before serving.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freezer for up to 3 months.
Health and Safety Information
In order to protect the the quality of our KindSoup program, we ask that volunteers conscientiously observe the following guidelines:
- Start with clean hands and wash again frequently as needed throughout the cooking process.
- Start with clean kitchen surfaces and utensils (antibacterial wipes do a great job).
- Keep longer hair tied back.
- Follow other common sense procedures, such as never returning a tasting spoon to the pot!
Thank you for maintaining a high cleanliness standard for our KindSoup donations!
How to Donate Your KindSoup
Seal containers with a tight lid and freeze. Label each container with: date prepared, your first name and last initial, “Authentic Arabic Lentil Soup” and any relevant food allergy info. When convenient, drop containers of frozen soup off at one of the following participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or a place that you prefer.
- 5171 Manning Place NW (in the Palisades neighborhood in DC).
- Rainbow Community Development Center 12120 Tech Road, Silver Spring (this takes you to the rear parking lot and loading dock – there is usually a large RAINBOW truck parked here): Drop-off Monday-Friday 9am-2pm. NOTE: If you go during Rainbow’s food distributions on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 9am-noon, you may see a long line of cars – you can drive past the cars to drop off your KindSoup. If you go at other times and the garage or back door is not open, call or text Anna on her personal cell at 301-852-4184 (if she doesn’t answer, leave a message and she should get back within a few minutes, or try calling the Rainbow Pantry cellphone: 240-639-2293).
- So What Else 4924 Wyaconda Road, Rockville, 240-705-4345. (Look for the Dogtopia. Drive straight past Doptopia to get to our parking lot. The entrance will be on the right hand side as you pull into the parking lot. After you park, walk up to the glass door at the bottom of the black ramp, ring the doorbell, let the team know you’ve arrived to drop off KindSoups): Drop-off Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturdays 7am-12pm.
- Upcounty Consolidation Hub 12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown (supporting 1,000 families with food and other supports). Drop off Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays 8 am-4:30 pm.
- Embry Rucker Shelter 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-437-1975. Leave donations on the table around the back. Drop off anytime!
Here are some options for donating outside the DC area:
- NYC Community Fridges located throughout New York City.
- Bread and Roses 58 Newbury St., Lawrence, Mass., 978-681-8768. Drop off Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm.
- The Bristol Lodge 27 Lexington St., Waltham, Mass., 781-893-0108. Drop off Mondays-Fridays, 9am-6pm.
- Community Refrigerators located in Los Angeles
See you in the KindSoup kitchen!
Learn more about this KindWorks program
