Red Lentil Soup: The Best Turkish Soup

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Serves: 3 people

Red lentil soup, known as “Mercimek Çorbası” in Turkey, is a beloved classic and a staple in Turkish cuisine. If you ever find yourself in Turkey, you’ll encounter this delightful dish on the menu of almost every restaurant. And this lentil soup is my mother’s recipe. 

This soup is a true comfort food, cherished for its velvety texture and heartwarming taste, making it particularly popular during the chilly winter months. In Turkish households, it’s not uncommon to find a pot of red lentil soup simmering on the stove at least once a week.

If you like this Turkish soup try another one; Cold Yogurt Soup

red lentil soup

A Hidden Vegetable Gem for New Moms

Here’s a little secret for new moms – red lentil soup is the ultimate stealthy recipe. You can sneak in a variety of vegetables without anyone realizing they’re in there. It’s a my mom’s secret weapon to ensure the little ones get their daily dose of nutrition without fuss.

What You Need for this Nourishing Soup?

To prepare this vegetarian red lentil soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– Red lentils

– Onions

– Carrots

– Potatoes

– Celery ribs

– Any other vegetables that tickle your taste buds

This soup is a vegetarian’s dream come true. It’s hearty, wholesome, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile and nutritious choice for vegetarians and veggie lovers alike. If you are vegan this soup also perfect for you. Just make the top with olive oil instead of butter. And don’t cook the olive oil, just mix with some paprika and chili flakes.

Whether you’re savoring a bowl of red lentil soup in Turkey or preparing it in your own kitchen, this recipe is a flavorful and comforting addition to your vegetarian repertoire. Enjoy the goodness of this Turkish classic and relish the joy of adding your unique twist to it with your favorite veggies. 

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Red Lentil Soup

  • Prep time: 30 minutes
  • Cook time: 40 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Serves: 3 people

Red Lentil soup is a traditional Turkish cuisine soup that is perfect for vegetarians.

Ingredients

  • 1c. Red lentil
  • 1 Medium onion, sliced
  • 1 big or 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 1 Celery rib, chopped (optional)
  • 1 Medium potato, cubed
  • 1T. Tomato paste (optional)
  • 2T. Olive oil
  • 5-6c. Warm water
  • 1/2t. Dry mint
  • Salt and ground pepper to taste

For Top;

  • 2T. Butter
  • 1t. Paprika
  • 1/2t. Chili flakes

Directions

  • 1)

    Take a deep bowl. Add lentil and 2cups warm water. Rest at least 20minutes. The lentil will open. Then strain the lentil.

  • 2)

    Take a soup pan or pressure cooker or instant pot.

  • 3)

    Add olive oil, onion and carrot. Cook 2-3 minutes.

  • 4)

    Add potato and celery, cook 1-2 more minutes. Add tomato paste cook with stir.

  • 5)

    Add lentil. Cook 1 minutes. Add 4 cups warm water. If your lentil takes all the water add 1-2 cups more warm water.

  • 6)

    First 15 minutes cook with high heat. Cook 25-30 minutes with medium heat.

  • 7)

    When the carrots cooked the soup is cooked. If you’re using pressure cooker or instant pot. Cook less. (For food pressure 5minutes with high heat, 5 minutes with medium heat) Check your instant pot instructions.

  • 8)

    Blend the soup. It is gonna be smooth. If it’s so thick add 1 cup more warm water and boil a few minutes.

  • 9)

    Add salt, pepper and dry mint.

  • 10)

    Take a sauce pan, add butter, paprika and chili flakes. Heat until the butter foaming.

  • 11)

    Serve the soup with butter sauce and crouton. Enjoy!

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