Lentil and Freekeh Soup with Coriander and Lemon

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-31 · Updated 2026-05-31

A hearty Syrian-inspired soup combining nutty freekeh and earthy lentils with fresh coriander and bright lemon for a comforting meal. This Middle Eastern-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 65 minutes, pairs green lentils, freekeh (cracked green wheat), olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils
• 1/2 cup freekeh (cracked green wheat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 2 medium, diced carrot
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup, chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)

The stock pot we’d simmer this in → Best Stock Pots for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 2 diced carrots. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup green lentils and 1/2 cup freekeh to the pot. Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes until lentils and freekeh are tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.