Soup Vijeh Ba Adas (سوپ ویژه با عدس) — Persian-Inspired Creamy Spiced Lentil Soup

• 250 gYellow onion (finely diced)
• 18 gGarlic (minced (about 6 cloves))
• 30 mlOlive oil (about 2 tablespoons)
• 30 gTomato paste (about 2 tablespoons)
• 400 gCanned crushed tomatoes (or finely grated fresh tomatoes)
• 2 tspGround turmeric
• 0.5 tspGround cinnamon
• 1 tspGround cumin (optional but recommended for depth)
• 2 tspFine sea salt (plus more to taste)
• 0.5 tspBlack pepper (freshly ground)
• 250 gRed lentils (rinsed until water runs mostly clear)
• 600 mlWater
• 900 mlChicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 400 mlCoconut milk (full-fat, well shaken)
• 45 mlLemon juice (freshly squeezed (about 3 tablespoons))

Instructions

1. 1

   Set a large heavy pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until soft and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook 60–90 seconds until fragrant, lowering the heat slightly if it starts to brown.

2. 2

   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin, then cook 3 minutes, stirring to coat the onions evenly. This brief frying step helps the spices bloom and gives the soup its warm golden color.

3. 3

   Add the rinsed red lentils, water, and chicken broth. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, about 6–8 minutes. Skim any foam from the surface, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and simmer 18–22 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until lentils are very tender.

4. 4

   Turn off the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes, or blend in batches in a countertop blender (vent the lid and cover with a towel). Return to low heat and adjust thickness with 60–120 mL hot water if needed.

5. 5

   Stir in coconut milk and warm over low heat for 4–5 minutes; do not boil hard to keep the texture velvety. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Rest the soup 5 minutes before serving so flavors round out.