Origin Turkey
Turkish Lentil Soup also called mercimek corbasi is a warm and simple soup from Turkey. It has soft red lentils smooth texture and a light taste with spices like cumin and paprika. People in Turkey enjoy it at home and in restaurants because it is filling healthy and easy to make. The soup has a creamy feel even without cream because the lentils break down perfectly when cooked.
This recipe is written in simple easy English so you can follow every step without confusion. You can make this soup for breakfast lunch or dinner because it is quick and comforting.
What Is Turkish Lentil Soup
It is a smooth soup made with
- red lentils
- onion
- garlic
- spices
- water or broth
The soup is blended to get a creamy texture and it tastes light warm and very soothing.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Soup Base
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 carrot chopped
- 1 potato chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- Half teaspoon cumin
- Half teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh coriander
- Paprika oil optional
Step by Step Method to Make Turkish Lentil Soup
Step 1
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat oil or butter in a pot.
- Add onion garlic carrot and potato.
- Cook for three to four minutes until soft.
This step gives the soup a good base flavor.
Step 2
Add Lentils and Water
- Add red lentils to the pot.
- Add water or vegetable broth.
- Add cumin paprika salt and pepper.
- Stir everything and bring to a boil.
Step 3
Slow Cook the Soup
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover the pot.
- Cook for fifteen to twenty minutes.
- The lentils should become soft and break easily.
Step 4
Blend the Soup
- Use a hand blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- If you do not have a blender mash it well with a spoon.
- Adjust water if the soup becomes too thick.
The soup should look creamy and soft.
Step 5
Serve the Soup
- Pour the soup into bowls.
- Squeeze a little lemon on top.
- Add fresh coriander.
- Add a little paprika oil if you want more flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soup hot with
- bread
- salad
- rice
- grilled vegetables
It tastes light warm and very comforting.
Tips for Perfect Turkish Lentil Soup
- Use red lentils only for smooth texture
- Blend well for creamy finish
- Add more water if soup becomes thick
- Add chilli for spicy taste
- Add butter for richer flavor
Variations You Can Try
- Add tomato for more color
- Add spinach for freshness
- Add celery for strong flavor
- Add chickpeas for extra protein
Approximate Nutrition per Serving
Values may vary
- Calories 180 to 260
- Carbohydrates 30g
- Protein 10g
- Fat 5g
