Mesopotamian Barley Lentil and Tahini Soup Vegan

Warm, hearty, and packed with ancient flavors, this vegan Mesopotamian Barley, Lentil, and Tahini Soup is a nourishing bowl of comfort inspired by timeless Middle Eastern cuisine. Combining the earthy richness of lentils and nutty pearled barley with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, this soup creates a symphony of bold, vibrant flavors. A swirl of creamy tahini and a bright splash of lemon juice elevate the dish, adding luscious texture and tangy depth. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, this nutrient-dense, plant-based recipe is easy to prepare in under an hour and is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free barley). Garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this soup is as visually appealing as it is satisfying. Indulge in this traditional yet modern take on ancient ingredients for a cozy, vegan meal that feeds both body and soul.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1.5 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 cups Pearled barley, rinsed
• 0.75 cups Brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups Vegetable broth
• 2 medium Carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 Celery stalks, diced
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons Tahini
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed barley, lentils, vegetable broth, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir well.

Step 5

Mix in the tomato paste and bring the soup to a boil over high heat.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley and lentils are tender.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini and lemon juice. Stir this mixture into the soup.

Step 8

Season the soup with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2308.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1610.9

Total Fat 70.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6064.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 201.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 51.0g	0%
Total Sugars 45.6g
Protein 57.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3966.6mg	0%
Iron 16089.3mg	0%
Potassium 5067.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.1%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 48.1%