Traditional Turkish Lentil Soup Recipe
Traditional Turkish Lentil Soup Recipe
Welcome to the delightful world of Turkish cuisine, where heartiness and bold flavors thrive in perfect harmony. Among these culinary treasures is the beloved Turkish Lentil Soup, known as “Mercimek Çorbası”. This soul-soothing soup is a staple in Turkey, loved for its rich taste and nourishing qualities. Ideal for warm family dinners or a comforting gesture on chilly evenings, it’s a dish that offers lush simplicity. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey with every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 200g (1 cup) red lentils
- 15g (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1.2L (5 cups) vegetable broth or water
- 5g (1 tsp) ground cumin
- 5g (1 tsp) paprika
- 2.5g (1/2 tsp) turmeric
- 5g (1 tsp) salt, or to taste
- 2.5g (1/2 tsp) black pepper, or to taste
- 30ml (2 tbsp) lemon juice
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Stir in the diced carrot and potato, continuing to cook for about 5 minutes. These vegetables lay a hearty groundwork, offering the soup both texture and depth.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Add the red lentils to the saucepan, followed by vegetable broth or water. Stir to combine. Incorporate ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Allow the soup to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure the lentils and vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Blend to Perfection
Remove the soup from heat. Using a blender or immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth and creamy, or leave a few chunks if a rustic texture is preferred. Careful with hot liquids when blending!
Step 5: Final Touches
Return the blended soup to the heat for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust the seasonings if needed. The citrus zing complements the earthiness of the lentils perfectly.
Conclusion
Your Turkish Lentil Soup is ready to grace the table, offering a wholesome embrace with each spoonful. Sprinkled with fresh parsley, its vibrant hue is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. This simple yet ambrosial dish testifies to the elegance of Turkish cuisine. As you savor the soup, you experience a sense of Turkish culture, bringing distant lands closer. Experiment and share this recipe, ensuring the legacy of Mercimek Çorbası continues to warm hearts far and wide.
