Shorbat al Khodra
A bright, restorative Lebanese vegetable soup lifted with fresh lemon and coriander — hearty enough for a meal, light enough to serve at any table, and endlessly variable by season.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 2 medium Zucchini
- 2 medium Potato
- 2 medium Carrot
- 3 stalks Celery stalks
- 400 g (1 can) Canned tomatoes
- 1 large Yellow onion
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1 large bunch Fresh coriander
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Cumin
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- 1½ tsp Salt
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1.5 litres Vegetable stock or water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté diced onion until softened, 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin. Cook 1 minute.
- Add all the diced vegetables: potato, carrot, zucchini, and celery. Stir to coat with oil.
- Add canned tomatoes, stock, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook 30 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Chop half the coriander stems finely — add to the pot in the last 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and the remaining fresh coriander leaves.
- Taste for seasoning and serve hot with bread.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shorbat al Khodra?
A bright, restorative Lebanese vegetable soup lifted with fresh lemon and coriander — hearty enough for a meal, light enough to serve at any table, and endlessly variable by season.
Where is Shorbat al Khodra from?
Shorbat al Khodra comes from Lebanese Bekaa. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Shorbat al Khodra vegetarian?
No — as written, Shorbat al Khodra includes meat, fish, or meat-based stock, so it is not vegetarian. See the ingredient list for the specific ingredients used.
What can I use instead of cumin in Shorbat al Khodra?
The cumin called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Shorbat al Khodra its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Shorbat al Khodra?
In a Lebanese soups spread, Shorbat al Khodra is served hot with warm flatbread or a wedge of lemon, often as a light meal on its own or as a first course.
Can I make Shorbat al Khodra ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.