Shorbat Adas – Jordanian Lentil Soup

We are now flying to Jordan from Indonesia in our 30 day Culinary journey across the globe,where we are going to sample dishes from 26 countries across the globe. Initially I wanted to try some Japanese cuisine but later settled down for Jordan.

Here is something interesting ….

• The official name is Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
• Arabic is the official language and English can be understood by majority of the people.
  Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

  Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
  Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
  Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
  Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
• Jordan has access to both the Dead sea and the Red sea.
• It follows the constitutional monarchy system of Government where the King exercises authority through the Prime minister and the cabinet.
• It is said that Moses was buried in the Mount Nebo ,Jordan.
• Owing to its limited natural resources, the economy is very small
• In Jordan, it is polite to refuse a meal thrice before accepting the invitation!
• Children are not praised too much as they believe it might bring in bad luck!

 Coming to the cuisine…

•  This cuisine makes use of several cooking techniques like baking, grilling, stewing, stuffing vegetables .
• The hospitality of the people can be reflected by the large spread of dishes that are served to the guests.
• The dishes range from hot and spicy to mildly spicy.
• Several dishes from this cuisine can be seen in other Middle Eastern countries as well and this rule is applicable the other way round too.
• All special occasions call for a delicious spread to be offered to the guests.

Some of the notable dishes are

• Mansaf is considered the national dish.It is a large tray of rice with stewed lamb and  yogurt sauce.
• Saniyat Dajaj– Chicken baked with potatoes, tomatoes, onions and fragrant spices
• Maqluba-Layered rice dish with rice , meat and vegetables.
• Zarb– Meat and vegetables are cooked in an underground oven.
• Fatywe Jenbeh – Salty cheese pasties 
• Kanefeh – Sweet Arabic pastry.
• Olive salad
• Schwarma – A wrap with meat/ vegetables in it.
• Tamar Hindi – Tamarind juice  

Today, I have this simple meal from the Jordanian Cuisine – Shorbat Adas – Lentil soup, Farmer’s  salad, Unleavened flat breads and Buttermilk

Let us talk about this soup… Though this soup is seen in many parts of the Middle East, it is very popular in Jordan and Palestine.Red lentils are usually used and vegetables like carrots can be added to the soup. It is usually served with Pita bread.

I used:
Adapted from here

 Red lentils – 1/4 cup [ I used unhusked whole red lentils]
Cumin seeds-1 teaspoon
Onion-1, sliced
Garlic-2 cloves, finely chopped
Vegetable stock-2 cups + more if needed
Red chili powder- 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Oil- 1 teaspoon
Fried shallots for topping

Wash the lentil and pressure cook it with 1 cup water till soft.While it is still hot, mash it a ladle.

Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. When it crackles, add the onion and garlic and cook till onion is soft. Add the cooked lentil, vegetable stock / water, red chili powder, salt and bring to boil. Cook for a few minutes and remove from heat.

Serve garnished with mint/ spring onions/coriander leaves and fried shallots.

Bon Appetit….