30-Minute Turkish Lentil Soup That Warms Your Soul
A hearty and comforting Turkish lentil soup, known as Mercimek Çorbası, made with red lentils, vegetables, and warm spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 potato, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 6 cups water or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic, carrot, and potato. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, cumin, and paprika. Stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in lentils and water or broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are soft.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
Notes
- Rinse lentils well to remove any debris.
- Adjust water or broth for desired consistency.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.