Addas bi Husrem (Sour Lentil soup)

A comfort food for many Syrians, Addas bi Husrem (or Addas bi Hamed) is a very healthy and flavorful citrusy dish. Lentils, parsley and lemon are simmered to make a thick soup often eaten with Ojji (Syrian Omelette).

Ingredients

• 2 cups red (or whole) lentils
• 2 cups chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup lemon juice (or sour grapes juice)
• 1 head of garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Bharat (Syrian Spice Mix)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Peel and slice the garlic and saute in olive oil until pink.
2. Wash lentils and add to garlic. Add 10 cups of water and leave on a medium heat for an hour stirring occasionally. After an hour, the lentils should be soft and mushy.
3. Add the parsley, lemon juice, salt and spices and mix well.
4. Let simmer for 10 minutes then serve. Addas bi Husrem can be eaten warm, at room temperature or even cold! Syrians like to eat it on the side of Ojji (omelette).
5. If you prefer to use whole lentils instead of red ones, then process them for 5-10 seconds in a food processor after boiling them depending on how rustic you want your soup to be.