There's nothing like a bowl of lentils especially in colder months. The comforting flavors of Pret A Manger’s Moroccan Lentil Soup with this easy-to-follow recipe is my go to. Packed with hearty lentils, chunky vegetables, and moroccan spices, this bold soup is inspired by Moroccan cuisine. Perfect for meal prep or as a quick addition to your daily diet, this dish is a wholesome way to enjoy a serving of food rich in nutrients.
What Is Pret A Manger Moroccan Lentil Soup?
Pret A Manger Moroccan lentil soup is a spiced red lentil soup made with vegetables, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and warming Moroccan-inspired seasonings. It’s known for its creamy texture, comforting flavor, and healthy plant-based ingredients.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Moroccan Lentil Soup
- Easy one-pot recipe
- Naturally vegan and dairy-free
- Rich in plant-based protein
- Perfect for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
- Made with pantry staples
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Cozy and comforting for cold weather
- Inspired by the popular Pret A Manger soup
- Hearty and Satisfying: A perfect blend of hearty lentils and chunky vegetables to keep you full and energized.
- Inspired by Moroccan Food: Infused with the bold spices of Moroccan cuisine like garam masala and cayenne pepper.
- Nutrient-Dense: Provides grams of protein and essential nutrients to meet your daily value.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy a comforting bowl any day of the week.
Other soups you'll love 🍲
- Deconstructed Vegan Wonton Soup
- Vegan Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
- Vegan Mulligatawny Soup
- Justine Doiron Inspired Squash & Fennel Soup (vegan)
- Vegan Ethiopian Split Pea Soup (Kik Alicha)
Key Ingredients
- Red Lentils: These cook quickly and add a creamy texture to the soup.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics and adding a rich, smooth flavor.
- Onion: Diced to create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Garlic: Minced to enhance the aromatic depth.
- Carrot: Diced for natural sweetness and color.
- Celery: Adds a savory, aromatic element to the base.
- Garam Masala: A spice blend that infuses warmth and complexity.
- Cayenne Pepper: Brings a spicy kick to the dish.
- Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and richness.
- Vegetable Stock: Forms the flavorful liquid base for the soup.
- Bay Leaves: Impart a subtle herbal aroma.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Dash of Balsamic Vinegar: For a hint of tangy sweetness.
- Fresh Coriander: Used as a garnish for a burst of freshness.
Best Lentils for Moroccan Soup
Red lentils work best for this Pret copycat recipe because they cook quickly and create a naturally creamy texture without needing cream.
Brown or green lentils can also be used, but they will produce a chunkier soup.
Steps
- Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the red, green, and brown lentils under cold water and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the Spices: Stir in garam masala and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release their aroma.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Add the tomato paste and stir well. Then add the diced tomatoes, mixing to combine.
- Add Lentils and Stock: Pour in the vegetable stock or chicken stock and add the lentils and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the lentils are tender.
- Season and Finish: Remove bay leaves, add a dash of balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh coriander, and enjoy!
Variations
- Grain Bowls: Add cooked brown rice or quinoa to make it even heartier.
- Extra Vegetables: Include zucchini, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers for more chunky vegetables.
- Protein Boost: Add chickpeas or tofu for additional grams of protein.
- Spicy Moroccan Lentil Soup
- Add chili flakes or harissa paste.
- Creamy Lentil Soup
- Stir in coconut milk before serving.
- High-Protein Version
- Add chickpeas for extra plant-based protein.
- Vegetable-Packed Soup
- Add spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes.
Substitutions
- Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or coconut oil as alternatives.
- Tomato Paste: Replace with pureed roasted red peppers for a sweeter flavor.
- Vegetable Stock: Use chicken stock at your own risk if you’re not strictly vegan.
- Cayenne Pepper: Swap with paprika for less heat.
FAQ
Can I freeze Moroccan Lentil Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat it?
Heat on medium heat in a pot or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Is it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure your stock is gluten-free.
Is Pret Moroccan lentil soup vegan?
Yes, Pret A Manger Moroccan lentil soup is typically vegan and made with plant-based ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and spices.
Can I freeze lentil soup?
Yes. Moroccan lentil soup freezes very well for up to 3 months.
Why are red lentils best for soup?
Red lentils cook quickly and break down easily, creating a creamy texture that’s perfect for blended soups.
What spices are used in Moroccan lentil soup?
Common spices include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper.
What to Serve With Moroccan Lentil Soup
- crusty bread
- pita bread
- couscous
- quinoa
- side salad
- roasted vegetables
Expert Tips
- Rinse red lentils well before cooking
- Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor
- Use an immersion blender for restaurant-style texture
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- This soup tastes even better the next day
Cook the lentils just until tender, as overcooking can lead to mushy textures. A pinch of salt added midway through cooking helps season the lentils perfectly.
Hint
For an extra layer of flavor, blend a portion of the soup in a food processor and stir it back into the pot. This creates a creamy consistency while retaining chunky vegetables.
Enjoy this Moroccan Lentil Soup as a warm, comforting addition to your daily diet and savor the bold, vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine.
Pret A Manger Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Red Lentils
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion diced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 large Carrot diced
- 2 stalks Celery chopped
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes 14 oz
- 4 cups stock
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Dash of Balsamic Vinegar
- Fresh Coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the red, green, and brown lentils under cold water and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the Spices: Stir in garam masala and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release their aroma.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Add the tomato paste and stir well. Then add the diced tomatoes, mixing to combine.
- Add Lentils and Stock: Pour in the vegetable stock or chicken stock and add the lentils and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the lentils are tender.
- Season and Finish: Remove bay leaves, add a dash of balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh coriander, and enjoy!
