Adasi: Iranian Lentil and Rice Soup
A warm, comforting Iranian lentil and rice soup with caramelized onions and turmeric. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and one pot.
- Total time
- 28 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 298
- Protein
- 14g
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion, peeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- ½ cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 6 cups water
Instructions
- 1
Cut the onion lengthwise from root to tip into two halves, then cut each half crosswise into thin half-rings about 1/4 inch thick, so you have a pile of separated onion slices.
- 2
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers and moves quickly when you tilt the pot, about 1 minute.
- 3
Add the onion slices and stir with a wooden spoon, coating them in oil, then cook without stirring for 2 minutes so they make contact with the hot bottom.
- 4
Stir the onions once every 30 seconds until they turn deep golden brown and smell sweet and caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes total.
- 5
Add 1 teaspoon turmeric to the onions and stir for 30 seconds until the smell becomes stronger and more fragrant.
- 6
Pour in 6 cups water and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any stuck-on brown bits from the bottom of the pot, stirring constantly for 10 seconds.
- 7
Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils and 0.5 cup rinsed rice, stir well to combine, then bring to a boil over high heat, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- 8
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring every 2 minutes to prevent sticking, until the lentils and rice are soft and falling apart, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- 9
Taste the soup and stir in salt and pepper until it tastes savory and balanced to you.
- 10
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, letting it cool slightly before eating so you don't burn your tongue.
Tools you’ll need
- large pot (4-quart minimum)
- wooden spoon
- fine-mesh strainer (for rinsing lentils and rice)
- ladle
- cutting board
- chef's knife
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