Shadi's Soup-e Mahicheh

This Persian lamb and lentil soup is so good, it will instantly make you feel better! If you like, serve it with a side plate of green onions, radishes, and herbs such as parsley, mint, and basil. Iranians serve a plate of fresh herbs as a side with many meals.

Lamb and lentil soup in a white bowl
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (1 pound) lamb shank, excess fat removed

  • 6 cups water

  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 large carrot, chopped

  • ½ cup green lentils

  • cup rice

  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach

  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 medium lemon, juiced

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a 4-quart Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion; cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute more. Add lamb shank and sear until lightly browned on all sides, about 6 minutes total.

  2. Add the water, turmeric, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until lamb is almost cooked, about 40 minutes.

  3. Add carrot, lentils, and rice. Cover and cook 20 minutes more. Stir in spinach, parsley, and cilantro. Cook over medium-low heat 10 minutes more.

  4. Remove lamb shank and let cool slightly. Separate meat from bone, shred it into medium pieces, and return it to the soup.

  5. Season with salt and additional black pepper as needed. Add lemon juice just before serving.

Cook's Note:

You can use brown lentils instead of green.

Editor's Note:

This is part of a special feature in our February-March 2022 magazine issue. See the magazine for more recipes!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

307 Calories
22g Fat
5g Carbs
22g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 307
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 8g 38%
Cholesterol 76mg 25%
Sodium 67mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Protein 22g 43%
Potassium 363mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.