Adasi (Persian Lentil Soup)

A warm and hearty Persian lentil dish made with simple spices, lemon, and crispy onions.

A beautifully presented bowl of Adasi, garnished with fried shallots, sitting on a textured tablecloth.

Adasi is a comforting Persian lentil dish that is warm, hearty, and full of flavor. There are so many different ways to make it depending on the family, region, and personal preference, but this is my favorite way because it is how I grew up eating it.

For me, Adasi is simple, cozy, and nostalgic in the best way. The lentils slowly simmer with onions, turmeric, cinnamon, and lemon juice until they become tender and flavorful. I love finishing it with crispy fried shallots, a drizzle of olive oil, and a little extra lemon or lime juice on top.

It is one of those recipes that feels nourishing without being complicated, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a cozy bowl at home.

Ingredients for a hearty Adasi arranged on a table: onions, lentils, lemon juice, olive oil, cinnamon and turmeric.

Adasi Ingredients

• 2 cups lentils, soaked

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cups water

• 1 tablespoon turmeric

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• Cinnamon, to taste

• 1/2 cup lemon juice

Optional for serving & garnish

• Fried shallots or crispy onions

• Extra lemon or lime juice

• Drizzle of olive oil

  
  

Adasi Instructions

1. Sauté the onions:

   Place a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it glistens. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring regularly, until they begin to turn golden.

2. Add the spices:

   Add the turmeric, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Stir until the spices are evenly mixed into the onions and fragrant.

3. Add the lentils:

   Drain the soaked lentils, then add them to the pot. Stir until the lentils are evenly coated in the onion and spice mixture.

4. Simmer:

   Pour in the water and lemon juice, then bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender.

   
   

To Serve

Ladle the Adasi into bowls and finish with crispy onions, a sprinkle of ground golpar, a drizzle of olive oil, and extra lemon or lime juice if desired

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Final Thoughts

Adasi is one of those cozy Persian dishes that feels simple, comforting, and so nourishing. The lentils simmer down with onions, turmeric, cinnamon, and lemon juice, creating a warm, hearty bowl that is full of flavor without needing too many ingredients.

I love serving it with crispy fried shallots, a drizzle of olive oil, and a little extra lemon or lime juice on top. It is easy to make, naturally filling, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a hearty dinner at home.