Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

A bowl of Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası) is a comforting delight, perfect for any occasion. This velvety smooth soup features red lentils, fresh vegetables, and warm spices like Aleppo pepper that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s not only quick to prepare but also nutritious and naturally gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for everyone from busy weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time and only 27 minutes of cooking, this soup is perfect for a busy day.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from red lentils and loaded with vitamins from vegetables, this soup supports a healthy diet.
• Versatile Flavor: The unique combination of spices adds layers of flavor that can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
• Easy to Customize: Add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make this dish your own and cater to different dietary needs.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making Turkish Lentil Soup, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Blender or immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup evenly.
• Blender or immersion blender: Necessary for achieving that velvety smooth texture that makes this soup so appealing.

Ingredients

A velvety smooth Turkish soup made with red lentils, vegetables, and warm spices like Aleppo pepper. Quick, nutritious and naturally gluten-free.

Base Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil (5 tablespoons)
• Yellow onion, chopped (1 medium)
• Garlic cloves, minced (3)
• Carrots, chopped (2-3)
• Russet potato, diced (1 medium)
• Kosher salt

Flavor Enhancers

• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
• Low-sodium vegetable broth (6 cups)
• Aleppo pepper (2 teaspoons)
• Ground cumin (1 teaspoon)
• Ground coriander (1/2 teaspoon)

Final Touches

• Red lentils (1 cup)
• Lemon, cut in wedges (1)

How to Make Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, carrots, and diced potatoes.
– Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Spices

Once the vegetables are soft:
– Stir in the tomato paste until well combined.
– Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth along with Aleppo pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, and rinsed red lentils.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil:
– After boiling for about 5 minutes, reduce the heat.
– Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

After simmering:
– Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer batches to a regular blender.
– Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

Step 5: Prepare Spiced Oil

In a small pan:
– Heat a tablespoon of olive oil with minced garlic and additional Aleppo pepper until fragrant.

Step 6: Serve Your Soup

Serve hot:
– Drizzle with spiced oil just before serving.
– Garnish with lemon wedges on the side for an added zest. Enjoy your delicious Turkish Lentil Soup!

How to Serve Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası) is a comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Lemon Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the soup just before eating to enhance the flavors and add brightness.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. The bread absorbs the delicious broth, making each bite more satisfying.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a splash of color and added freshness.

Drizzled with Spiced Olive Oil

• Enhance the soup’s flavor by drizzling spiced olive oil infused with Aleppo pepper and garlic just before serving.

Served with Yogurt

• A dollop of plain yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy contrast to the rich soup.

Paired with a Side Salad

• A light side salad, such as a cucumber-tomato salad, complements the soup perfectly and adds a refreshing crunch.

How to Perfect Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

To make your Turkish Lentil Soup truly exceptional, consider these tips for perfection.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables elevate the flavor profile, making your soup more vibrant.

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of Aleppo pepper and cumin according to your heat preference.

• Cook lentils properly: Ensure red lentils are cooked until soft; they should break down easily to achieve that velvety texture.

• Blend for creaminess: Use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the soup until smooth for a luxurious mouthfeel.

• Taste before serving: Always taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning as needed for optimal flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

Pairing side dishes with your Turkish Lentil Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Turkish Pide: A traditional flatbread perfect for scooping up the soup.
2. Cucumber Yogurt Salad: This refreshing side offers a cool contrast to the warm soup.
3. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma): These savory bites complement the flavors of the soup beautifully.
4. Simit: A sesame-crusted bread ring that adds crunch and nutty flavor.
5. Roasted Eggplant Dip (Baba Ghanoush): Creamy and smoky, it pairs nicely with the lentils.
6. Spiced Chickpeas: Crispy chickpeas add texture and protein, making your meal heartier.
7. Fried Feta Balls: Their rich creaminess balances out the lightness of the soup.
8. Olives and Cheese Platter: A selection of olives and cheeses provides variety and enhances your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası), it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using Old Lentils: Old lentils may not cook properly and can affect the texture. Always use fresh lentils for the best results.
• Skipping the Sauté Step: Neglecting to sauté onions and garlic first can lead to a flat flavor. Take the time to sauté for depth in taste.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Overcooking can make vegetables mushy. Cook them just until softened for a better texture.
• Not Adjusting Seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust spices before serving for optimal flavor.
• Skipping the Purée Step: Not puréeing the soup may leave it chunky. For a creamy consistency, blend well.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası) that can help you enjoy this dish even more.

What is Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)?

Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası) is a traditional soup made primarily with red lentils, vegetables, and spices, known for its smooth texture and rich flavor.

Can I customize my Turkish Lentil Soup?

Yes! You can add other vegetables like spinach or kale, or adjust spices according to your preference for heat or flavor.

Is Turkish Lentil Soup suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! This soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a healthy choice for everyone.

How can I thicken my Turkish Lentil Soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add more lentils or reduce the amount of broth during cooking.

Final Thoughts

Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası) is not only delicious but also versatile. With its creamy texture and warm spices, it’s perfect as a comforting meal any time. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust the spices for your family’s taste.