Lentil soup a favourite appetiser

Dubai - "To make it tastier, I often pair the soup with crusty bread, toasting it with a drizzle of olive oil, and shelly."

While people feel like to start their Iftar meal in different ways, many Arab families, particularly the Syrians, go for lentil soup as a main appetiser.
Syrian resident Mohammed Jamal, also known as Abu Ethar, told Khaleej Times that this soup is a must every day during the holy month.
"Of course, there are other appetizers, such as Tabula and Fatush - two types of green salad, but lentil soup is the main appetiser here." 
Not only Jamal and his wife Noura like to start their Iftar with lentil soup, but also their three sons; Mohammed, Ahmed, Ali, and one daughter Marwa.
"Lentil soup can be easily prepared and the ingredients are available and affordable," said Noura, the wife. "It is always served hot in big bowls."
She added that lentil soup is her favourite appetiser for being comforting, simple, and easy to cook with minimum ingredients. "It's my first idea when I want ?to cook something quickly ?but healthy."
The orange or yellow lentil is the one I always make, and it never fails to please my family, she explained.
"To make it tastier, I often pair the soup with crusty bread, toasting it with a drizzle of olive oil, and shelly." 
As a finishing touch, I top the bowl with a swirl of peppery olive oil or some herbs, she elaborated.
"This simple combination of chopped garlic, parsley, and lemon zest gives the soup a punch of freshness, and brightens up the bowl."
To easily cook the lentil soup, Noura heats the olive oil at a low level in a medium pot, add the carrot, celery, onion, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stir to combine, then cover and let the vegetable sweat until the onions are soft and translucent about five minutes.
"I add the lentils and water, turn the heat down, and cover the bowl about 15 minutes until the lentils fall apart, stir in the lemon juice, add salt to taste, and finally serve."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE
• Ramadan 2021
• Ramadan Delight
• Dubai