17 Red Lentil Soup Turkish Recipe Carrot Potato Onion You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 10, 2024
Red lentil soup is a staple in Turkish cuisine and is loved for its rich, comforting flavors. This simple yet delicious soup is made with just a handful of ingredients, including carrots, potatoes, and onions. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also packed with nutrients and is a great option for vegetarians and vegans. In this article, we will explore the traditional Turkish recipe for red lentil soup and how you can make it at home to impress your family and friends.
Turkish Red Lentil Soup, also known as Mercimek çorbası, is a classic dish in Turkish cuisine. Made with simple ingredients, this soup is a staple in many households and is loved for its comforting and delicious flavors.
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Mercimek çorbası | Turkish Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Lentils, Onion, Carrots, Celery Ribs
In Turkish, Mercimek çorbası literally translates to "lentil soup." It is a popular and traditional dish that is often served as a starter or as a main meal accompanied by bread or rice. This soup is also commonly found in Turkish street food stalls and restaurants.
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Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Kirmizi Mercimek Corbasi)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Red Lentils, Garlic, Small Potato, Large
Another name for this soup is Kirmizi Mercimek Corbasi, which means "red lentil soup." This name refers to the vibrant red color of the soup, which comes from the red lentils that are used as the main ingredient.
While this soup is commonly known as Turkish Red Lentil Soup, it is not specific to Turkey and can be found in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Each region has their own unique twist on the soup, but the basic ingredients and method of preparation remain the same.
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Red Lentil Soup with Croutons
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potatoes, Carrots, Canola Oil, Mild Curry
This soup is typically served with croutons on top, adding a crunchy texture to the creamy soup. Croutons are small pieces of bread that have been toasted or fried and are often used as a topping in soups and salads.
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Lemon Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Diced Onions, Carrots, Diced Celery, Potato
A popular variation of Turkish Red Lentil Soup is the addition of lemon, which adds a bright and tangy flavor to the dish. The lemon is usually squeezed into the soup just before serving.
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Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Celery Sticks, Baking
Red Lentil Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for cold weather. The lentils used in this soup are packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
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Red Lentil Turkish Soup
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrots, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Red Lentils
Some refer to this soup as Red Lentil Turkish Soup, highlighting its origins in Turkish cuisine. It is also a popular dish in other countries in the region, such as Greece and Egypt.
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Red Lentil Soup with Yogurt and Garlic
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Salt, Juice, Lemon, Plain Yogurt, Dried Mint
In some variations of this soup, yogurt and garlic are added as a topping or mixed into the soup. The yogurt adds a creamy and tangy flavor, while the garlic adds a pungent and savory kick.
The Indian version of this soup is called Mulligatawny and is often made with additional spices such as curry powder and garam masala. This gives the soup a distinct and flavorful Indian twist.
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Clean Eating Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Carrot, Onion, Medium Potato, Vegetable
For those looking for a healthier version of this soup, there are many recipes that use clean and natural ingredients, making it a clean eating option. This includes using fresh vegetables and avoiding processed ingredients.
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Creamy Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Cumin Seed, Mustard Seed, Coriander Seed, Onion
One of the best things about this soup is its creamy and velvety texture. The lentils are cooked until they are soft and then blended to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
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Moroccan Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Celery Stalk, Carrot
The Moroccan version of this soup often includes spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, giving it a warm and spicy flavor. It is also sometimes served with a dollop of harissa, a spicy North African chili paste.
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Turkish Red Lentil Soup with Sumac
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Paprika, Cumin Seeds, Red Lentils
Sumac is a spice commonly used in Turkish cuisine and is made from the dried and ground berries of the sumac plant. It adds a tangy and slightly sour flavor to dishes, and is often used as a topping in this soup.
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Red Lentil Soup with Root Vegetables and Sage
Main Ingredients: Water, Diced Tomatoes, Base, Onion, Bell Pepper
While the traditional version of this soup uses only lentils, many recipes incorporate root vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, as well as herbs like sage. This adds more depth of flavor and nutrients to the dish.
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Red Lentil Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Large Onion, Carrots, Celery Stalks, Potato
For a more vegetarian option, this soup can be made with a variety of vegetables, such as celery, zucchini, and bell peppers. This adds more texture and color to the dish, making it a hearty and nutritious meal.
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Ethiopian-Inspired Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potatoes, Red Lentils, Water, Garlic Cloves
In Ethiopia, a similar dish called mesir wat is popular. It is made with red lentils, berbere spice, and niter kibbeh, a spiced clarified butter. This gives the soup a unique and exotic flavor that is worth trying.
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Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Large Onion, Tomato Paste, Carrot, Red
In Turkey, this soup is called Mercimek Corbasi, which simply translates to "lentil soup." It is a staple in Turkish cuisine and is enjoyed by many for its simple yet delicious flavors.
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Healthy Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Large Carrots, Red Bell Pepper, Celery
If you have a busy schedule, you can still enjoy a homemade bowl of this soup by using a slow cooker. Simply throw in the ingredients and let it cook on low heat for a few hours, resulting in a warm and healthy meal.
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Oma's Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Water, Vegetable Bouillon Cubes, Onion
Many people have their own family recipe for this soup, passed down from generation to generation. Some may call it mom's or grandma's red lentil soup, making it a special and sentimental dish.
The Health Benefits of Red Lentil Soup
Red lentils are not only an essential ingredient in Turkish cuisine, but they are also incredibly nutritious. These tiny legumes are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a perfect option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Carrots: A Nutrient-Packed Vegetable
Carrots are a key ingredient in this red lentil soup recipe and add a slight sweetness to the dish. Not only do they provide a beautiful color to the soup, but they are also rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight and skin, making this soup not only delicious but also beneficial for your overall health.
Potatoes: A Filling and Versatile Ingredient
Potatoes are another essential ingredient in this red lentil soup recipe. They add a creamy texture to the soup and are a great source of complex carbohydrates. This makes the soup filling and satisfying, making it a great option for a hearty meal. Potatoes are also rich in potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins, making them an excellent addition to any diet.
Onions: A Flavorful and Nutritious Addition
Onions are often used as a base in many dishes and add a depth of flavor to this red lentil soup. They are also rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a great addition to any meal. Onions are also a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for boosting the immune system and maintaining overall health.
How to Make Traditional Turkish Red Lentil Soup
Now that you know about the health benefits of this delicious soup, let's dive into the recipe. To make traditional Turkish red lentil soup, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup of red lentils
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 potato, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of paprika
6 cups of vegetable broth
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onions, carrots, and potatoes, and sauté for 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, cumin, and paprika, and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
Add the lentils, tomato paste, and vegetable broth.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the soup until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt, if desired.
Final Thoughts
Red lentil soup is a classic Turkish recipe that is loved all over the world for its delicious flavor and nutritional benefits. With this simple yet flavorful recipe, you can now make this traditional dish at home and enjoy all its goodness. So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones with your cooking skills?
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