Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein and fiber from red lentils, making it a wholesome choice.
- Aromatic Spices: Infused with cumin, paprika, and mint, offering a delightful depth of flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for home cooks.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a starter, light meal, or pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, cumin, paprika, dried mint, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Lentils and Tomato Paste: Add rinsed lentils and tomato paste to the pot, stirring to combine with the spices.
- Add Broth: Pour in vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Blend Soup: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, carefully transfer portions to a blender, purée, and return to the pot.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh lemon juice. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves, if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili for heat.
- Herbal Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or dill for added flavor.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of vegan yogurt for creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use red lentil flour instead of whole lentils?
Red lentil flour can be used, but it may result in a different texture. Start with 1/2 cup of flour and adjust the broth accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.
2. Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a mild spice level. For more heat, add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers during cooking.
3. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and actually develops more flavor after sitting. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
4. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
6. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can use chicken broth if you’re not following a vegan diet.
7. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes, fresh chili peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
8. Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Yes, dried mint can be used. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried mint in place of fresh.
9. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
Print
Traditional Turkish Lentil Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mercimek Çorbası (Turkish Lentil Soup) is a rich and comforting vegan soup made with red lentils, aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and dried mint, and infused with vegetable broth. This gluten-free, nutrient-rich dish is perfect for any occasion, whether as a starter or light meal. Its simple preparation and heartwarming flavors make it a favorite in Turkish cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, cumin, paprika, dried mint, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Lentils and Tomato Paste: Add the rinsed lentils and tomato paste, stirring to combine with the spices.
- Add Broth: Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup for a smooth texture. Alternatively, blend in batches and return the puréed soup to the pot.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh lemon juice. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or mint leaves.
Notes
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili for extra heat.
- Herbs: Try cilantro or dill for a fresh twist.
- Creamy Option: Stir in coconut milk or vegan yogurt for a creamy version.
- Storage: This soup can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
