19 Turkish Lentil Soup Mercimek Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
Turkish cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, and one of the most beloved and comforting dishes is mercimek, or Turkish lentil soup. This hearty soup is made with red lentils, vegetables, and spices, and is a staple in Turkish households. Not only is it delicious, but it is also easy to make and budget-friendly. In this article, we will share a traditional Turkish lentil soup recipe, also known as mercimek çorbası, for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Medium Carrot, Medium Potato, Red Pepper
Turkish lentil soup, also known as mercimek çorbası, is a classic dish in Turkish cuisine. Made with red lentils, vegetables, and spices, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. It's a perfect dish for a cold winter day or when you're craving some comfort food. In this article, we'll share with you 20 different variations of this traditional soup that you can easily make at home.
2of 20
Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Large Onion, Tomato Paste, Carrot, Red
Mercimek corbasi is a popular Turkish red lentil soup that is loved by many. It's a simple yet flavorful soup that can be made in just 30 minutes. The main ingredients for this soup are red lentils, onions, carrots, and spices. It's often served with a squeeze of lemon juice and some crusty bread on the side. This soup is not only tasty, but it's also a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
3of 20
Mercimek çorbası | Turkish Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Lentils, Onion, Carrots, Celery Ribs
This version of Turkish lentil soup is a bit different as it includes bulgur, a type of cracked wheat, in addition to the red lentils. Bulgur adds a nice texture and heartiness to the soup, making it a more filling meal. It's still packed with all the traditional flavors of Turkish red lentil soup, but with an added twist. Give it a try and see for yourself!
4of 20
Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Kirmizi Mercimek Corbasi)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Red Lentils, Garlic, Small Potato, Large
For those who like a bit of heat in their soup, this version of Turkish red lentil soup is for you. It's made with red lentils, onions, garlic, and a generous amount of red pepper flakes. The result is a deliciously spicy and comforting soup that will warm you up from the inside out. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, so don't be afraid to add more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, you'll love this lentil soup. It's made with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. The combination of flavors is incredible, and the addition of sausage adds a nice protein boost to the soup. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in with a glass of red wine and some crusty bread.
6of 20
The Best Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Oil, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic Cloves
This lentil soup recipe lives up to its name – it's the best! It's a hearty and flavorful soup made with red lentils, vegetables, herbs, and spices. What makes this soup stand out is the addition of smoked paprika, which adds a depth of flavor and a touch of smokiness. It's a must-try for anyone who loves lentil soup.
7of 20
Mom's Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrots, Celery, Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomato
There's nothing quite like a bowl of mom's homemade soup. This lentil soup recipe is a family favorite, passed down from generation to generation. It's a simple and comforting soup made with red lentils, onions, carrots, and celery. The secret ingredient in this soup is love, making it even more delicious.
8of 20
Tuscan Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Olive Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery Stalks
This Tuscan lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious meal. It's made with red lentils, vegetables, and Italian sausage, and it's flavored with herbs like thyme and oregano. This soup is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, and it's even better when paired with a glass of Chianti.
9of 20
Best Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery
With so many lentil soup recipes out there, it can be hard to determine which one is the best. Look no further – this recipe truly lives up to its name. It's made with red lentils, vegetables, and a blend of spices that create a delicious and well-balanced flavor. This soup is perfect for meal prep, as it reheats well and makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
10of 20
Rustic Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Pancetta, Garlic, Yellow Onion, Carrots
This rustic lentil soup is a simple and hearty meal that's perfect for a chilly evening. It's made with red lentils, potatoes, and carrots, and it's flavored with herbs like thyme and bay leaves. The result is a thick and creamy soup that's guaranteed to warm you up and leave you feeling satisfied.
11of 20
French Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Virgin Olive Oil, Onions, Celery Stalks, Carrots
If you're a fan of French cuisine, you'll love this lentil soup recipe. It's made with French green lentils, also known as Puy lentils, which have a slightly nutty and earthy flavor. This soup also includes vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, and it's flavored with herbs like parsley and thyme. It's a simple yet elegant soup that's perfect for any occasion.
12of 20
Healing Moroccan Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Fennel Bulb, Large
In Morocco, lentil soup is often referred to as "healing soup." It's a staple dish in Moroccan cuisine, and for good reason. This soup is packed with spices like cumin, turmeric, and ginger, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are known to boost the immune system. It's also made with red lentils, which are a great source of protein and fiber.
13of 20
Easy Turkish Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Olive Oil, Onion Slices, Garlic, Tomato
This recipe is a shortcut version of traditional Turkish red lentil soup. It's made with pre-cooked red lentils, which significantly cuts down the cooking time. This soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick and easy, but still delicious and nutritious.
14of 20
Easy Turkish Red Lentil Soup [+Video]
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Olive Oil, Onion Slices, Garlic, Tomato
If you're a visual learner, this recipe is for you. It includes a step-by-step video to guide you through the process of making Turkish red lentil soup. It's a great resource for those who are new to cooking or for anyone who wants to see the recipe in action before trying it themselves.
15of 20
Easy Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Water, Lentils, Extra Virgin Olive
This recipe is a basic lentil soup that can be easily customized to your liking. It's made with red lentils, onions, carrots, and celery, and it's flavored with herbs like thyme and bay leaves. You can add in your favorite vegetables or protein to make it your own. It's a versatile and delicious soup that can be enjoyed year-round.
16of 20
Mercimek Corba Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Orange Lentils, Carrot, Small Potato, Small Onion
This version of lentil soup is a traditional Turkish recipe that's been passed down for generations. It's made with red lentils, onions, and carrots, and it's flavored with spices like cumin and paprika. This soup is simple yet incredibly flavorful, and it's a staple in many Turkish households.
17of 20
Red lentil soup – Mercimek Çorbası
Main Ingredients: Red Lentil, Carrot, Yukon Gold Potato, Water, Olive
This classic Turkish lentil soup is a must-try for anyone who loves a good bowl of comforting soup. It's made with red lentils, onions, and carrots, and it's flavored with spices like cumin and paprika. This soup is usually served as an appetizer before the main course, but it's so delicious that it could easily be enjoyed as a main dish.
18of 20
Harira (Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Ground Cumin, Ground
Harira is a popular Moroccan soup that's typically served during Ramadan. It's a hearty soup made with chickpeas, red lentils, and vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. It's also flavored with a blend of Moroccan spices, making it a flavorful and comforting meal.
19of 20
Healthy Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Celery, Carrot, Onion, Garlic, Chicken
This lentil soup is not only delicious but also good for you. It's packed with vegetables, including carrots, celery, and spinach, and it's flavored with herbs like thyme and parsley. This soup is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals, and it's perfect for anyone looking for a lighter and healthier option.
20of 20
Spicy Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery Stalks, Garlic
If you like a bit of heat in your food, this spicy lentil soup is for you. It's made with red lentils, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices, including cayenne pepper and chili powder. The result is a flavorful and spicy soup that will warm you up and leave you feeling satisfied. Serve it with a dollop of plain yogurt to balance out the heat.
The Perfect Comfort Food
Why Turkish Lentil Soup is a Favorite
Turkish lentil soup, or mercimek çorbası, is a popular dish in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries. It is often served as a starter or main course, and it is especially popular during the colder months. The warm and hearty soup is the perfect comfort food, providing nourishment and warmth on a chilly day. It is also a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as the soup is made with plant-based ingredients.
The Nutritional Benefits of Red Lentils
One of the main ingredients in Turkish lentil soup is red lentils, which are a type of legume that are highly nutritious. These small but mighty legumes are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Red lentils are also a good source of iron and folate, making this soup a great choice for those looking to boost their iron intake.
A Traditional Turkish Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
To make a delicious and authentic Turkish lentil soup, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 potato, peeled and finely chopped
1 tomato, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried mint
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups water or vegetable broth
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 until they start to soften.
Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, cumin, and dried mint to the pot. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes.
Add the red lentils and diced tomato to the pot, and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
Pour in the water or vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked and the vegetables are soft.
Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Return the soup to the pot and heat it for a few more minutes before serving.
Top with a drizzle of olive oil and dried mint, and serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Enjoying Your Homemade Turkish Lentil Soup
There you have it, a delicious and authentic Turkish lentil soup recipe that is perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty dish is sure to warm you up from the inside out and leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Serve it as a starter or as a main course, and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills. Give this recipe a try and experience the comforting flavors of Turkish cuisine.
![Easy Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe [+Video] | Masala Herb](https://www.masalaherb.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Easy-Turkish-Red-Lentil-Soup-Recipe-4.jpg)
/old-fashioned-swiss-steak-25-5679ab7e5f9b586a9e7f5f4f.jpg)
