Adasi (Persian Lentil Soup) Recipe
For many people, knowing how to prepare simple lentils (Adasi) is crucial. This is because lentils or lentil soup offer a healthy, nourishing, energy-packed, and cost-effective food option.
Lentils is a beloved dish in Iran, known and enjoyed by both children and adults. They make for a great breakfast option as they provide energy and keep you feeling refreshed. Lentils can also be paired with rice for lunch and serve as a light meal for dinner, perfect for those who prefer not to eat heavy food at night.
Lentils are an excellent food choice for athletes in need of protein for building muscle. For mothers seeking a nutritious breakfast for their children, lentils are packed with beneficial properties and can even improve their mood. Overall, lentils can be enjoyed by people of all ages and can be utilized in any situation to take advantage of their numerous benefits.
The diverse cultural and geographical landscape in Iran has led to a range of variations in the preparation of lentils, which I will outline below.
Join me in at Cookingrush and I will show you how to make simple and delicious lentils (Adasi).
General points of this article
Before diving into the preparation of lentils, let’s first make a simple and savory lentil dish and examine its nutritional value, properties, and other aspects in this article.
Adasi without paste Ingredients
| Necessary materials | |
| Lentils | 2 cups |
| Onion | 1 |
| Turmeric | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | As much as needed |
| Salt | Half a teaspoon |
| Flour (if desired) | 1 tablespoon |
How to prepare simple and authentic Iranian lentils (Adasi)
1. Lentils should be soaked before cooking to reduce bloating. To prepare them in the morning, soak the lentils overnight, or for at least 1-2 hours to enhance the quality of the soup. Be sure to change the water 2-3 times and rinse the lentils before cooking.
Note: There are two methods for preparing lentils. The first is to place the lentils in a pot, then fry the onions and spices separately and add them in the middle of cooking. The second is to fry the onion with oil and spices in the pot, then add water and the lentils.
2. Next, place the lentils in the pot and add about 4 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the lentils cook.
Note: Cooking time will vary based on the type of lentils.
3. Half an hour after cooking the lentils, finely chop the onions and fry them with oil, spices, and salt. Add this mixture to the lentils pot and continue cooking for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the lentils have thickened and the dish is well combined.
4. To add richness to the lentil soup, you may opt to fry 1 tablespoon of flour in oil and then add it to the pot containing the lentils for the final 15 minutes of cooking. This will make the lentil soup thicker and improve its consistency. It will also enhance the flavor and make for a more visually appealing dish if you’re serving guests.
How to prepare lentil for a party
Lentils are a versatile food that can be cooked in various ways. With the option to include lentils in your weekly meal plan, experimenting with different cooking methods will provide a new and delicious taste each time.
| Ingredients for making Adasi | |
| Lentils | 2 cups |
| Onion | 2 medium ones |
| Potato | 1 |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Grated garlic | 1 to 2 pieces |
| Dried lemon | 1 |
| Chicken broth (optional) | 1 |
| Turmeric | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | As much as needed |
| Boiling water | As much as needed |
Steps to make Adasi (Lentils) for the party
Note: Before cooking lentils, it’s best to soak them for 2-3 hours and change the water several times. Also, peel and dice a potato and set it aside for later use.
1. The first step in making this delicious lentil dish is to chop the onions and heat oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onions to the pot and stir, and if desired, pour in some chicken broth and continue stirring.
2. Next, when the onions are nicely browned, add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir until they’re fully coated in the oil and spices. Drain the lentils and add them to the pot, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Keep frying everything together until the ingredients are well mixed.
3. To add color to your lentil dish, stir in some tomato paste, making sure it’s well mixed with the other ingredients. This will give your dish the desired tanginess. Season with salt and add in some Omani lemon juice. Finally, pour enough boiling water over the ingredients to fully cover them.
Note: When roasting the ingredients, make sure to use low heat. The amount of paste can be adjusted to your liking, and you can add less if desired.
4. Once the ingredients are cooked, remove some of the items in the pot (especially the potatoes) using a ladle. Mash them with a meat grinder and return the mixture back to the pot. Let it cook on a gentle heat until the lentils are soft.
How to prepare delicious glazed lentils
Glazed lentils have a different cooking method that you can see below.
| Ingredients for 4 people | |
| Lentils | 2.5 glasses |
| Onion | 1 chopped |
| Angelica | 1.5 teaspoons |
| Butter | 50 grams |
| Tomato | 3 to 4 chopped pieces |
| Salt | A teaspoon |
| Turmeric | 1.5 teaspoons |
| Sour lemon | 1 |
How to make glazed lenses for 4 people
- Begin by soaking the lentils for 2 hours to reduce swelling. Afterward, drain the lentils and place them in a pot to cook for an hour. Once the lentils have finished cooking, you can start preparing the other ingredients.
2. As the lentils are finishing their hour-long cook time, get another pot ready. Heat a small amount of butter over low heat and add angelica and turmeric, stirring for 20 seconds. This will be used for the lentil preparation.
- Add chopped onion and tomato to the pan and stir. Then, pour in some lime juice and continue cooking over low heat for 15-20 minutes until the ingredients are well cooked.
- Take 1-2 spoonfuls of cooked lentils and their juice and grind them together with a meat grinder. Add the mixture back to the pot of lentils and let it cook for another 40 minutes with the lid closed.
This is the recipe for delicious glazed lentils that I hope you will enjoy.
Lentils for children
Lentils are a nutritious and healthy food option, rich in fiber and protein, making them a great addition to a child’s daily diet. However, it’s important to keep in mind that for children over 6 months, it’s recommended to perform an allergy test for each ingredient separately. If your child is younger than 6 months, you can easily mash the lentils using an electric meat grinder or the back of a fork.
For infants under one year old, use tomato puree in the lentil recipe. For children over one year, you can add a pinch of salt, pepper, and a few drops of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavor. It’s best to serve lentils to your child separately from dairy products, as the calcium in dairy products can inhibit the absorption of iron in lentils.
Necessary ingredients for Adasi for babies from seven months to one year old
1. Lentils: 4 tablespoons
2. Pasteurized butter: 1 tablespoon
3. Small potatoes: 1 pc
4. Foot extract: As much as needed
5. How to cook lentils for kids
- To prepare lentils for your little one, start by thoroughly cleaning and washing the lentils. Then, let them soak for a few hours.
2. Add all ingredients to a pot, including 2 glasses of water, and place it over low heat. Allow the lentils to cook for several hours.
3. Finally, after the lentils have finished cooking, stir in the butter and turn off the heat.
Nutritional value of lentils along with lentil vitamins
Lentils are one of the oldest cultivated crops and have been a staple in diets for centuries. They are widely enjoyed as a main dish in many countries due to their mild, nutty flavor and numerous health benefits.
Nutritional value in 1 glass of lentils (198 grams)
- Calories: 230
- Carbs: 39.9 grams
- Protein: 17.9
- Fat: 0.8 grams
- Fiber: 15.6 grams
- Thiamine: 28%
- Niacin: 13%
- Vitamin B6: 21%
- Iron: 37 percent
- Magnesium: 17%
- Phosphorus: 28 percent
- Potassium: 16%
- Zinc: 23%
- Copper: 55%
- Manganese: 43 percent
How to store lentils
To preserve dry lentils, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Cooked lentils can last for up to one week in the refrigerator and for extended storage, you can freeze them.
This is a quick and tasty way to prepare lentils, and I have provided a few recipes so you can select your favorite flavor and enjoy this nutritious and affordable food. Incorporating lentils into your weekly meal plan is a great way to ensure you are eating a healthy diet. Thank you for reading this article!
