Heartwarming Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi) Recipe

Steaming hot and packed with flavor, this hearty mercimek corbasi soup brings the rich culinary traditions of Turkey right to your kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delicious Turkish lentil soup recipe passed down through families.

Earthy red lentils blend seamlessly with aromatic spices and tender vegetables, creating a comforting meal that warms from the inside out.

Each spoonful tells a story of Turkish home cooking, blending simple ingredients with remarkable depth.

The soup smooth texture and robust flavors make it a weeknight dinner champion.

Red lentils transform into a creamy, golden blend that satisfies hunger and delights the senses.

Prepare to be transported to the bustling streets of Istanbul with every delectable bite.

What You Need for Turkish Lentil Soup

• Red Lentils: Small, quick-cooking legumes that provide a rich protein base for the soup.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory foundation to the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrot: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Potato: Helps create a creamy and hearty texture.

• Vegetable Broth, Tomato Paste: Create a rich and deeply flavored liquid foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the entire dish.

• Aleppo Pepper, Olive Oil: Creates a spicy and fragrant oil drizzled on top for extra flavor.
• Lemon: Adds a bright, fresh citrus note to balance the soup's richness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste of the soup.

Equipment for Making Mercimek Corbas at Home

• Large pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
• Sharp knife: Needed to dice onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Blender or immersion blender: Crucial for creating a smooth, creamy soup texture.
• Small saucepan: Used for making the spiced oil topping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

Simple Steps for Turkish Lentil Soup Success

Step 1: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

Grab a large pot and warm it up.

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Potatoes

Stir and cook these colorful ingredients until they become soft and slightly golden, releasing their delicious aromas.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Tomato paste
• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Red lentils

Stir everything together to create a rich, harmonious base for your soup.

Step 3: Gentle Simmering Magic

Bring the mixture to a quick boil, then reduce heat.

Cover the pot and let it simmer gently, allowing the lentils to become tender and absorb all the incredible flavors.

This should take about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Creamy Transformation

Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until it becomes silky smooth and luxuriously creamy.

The texture should be velvety and inviting.

Step 5: Create Spicy Drizzle

• Aleppo pepper
• Minced garlic

Cook until the oil becomes fragrant and the pepper releases its warm, subtle heat.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Ladle the soup into bowls.

Drizzle the spicy oil on top and squeeze fresh lemon juice.

Serve immediately with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Silky Turkish Lentil Soup

• Toast cumin and paprika before adding to deepen the soup's rich, earthy taste.
• Keep some lentils whole for added texture if you prefer a chunkier soup instead of completely smooth.
• Add extra broth or water if soup becomes too thick during simmering to maintain ideal creamy texture.
• Replace vegetable broth with water and add nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version without losing depth of flavor.
• Reduce Aleppo pepper amount for mild heat or add extra for more intense spiciness based on personal preference.

Mercimek Corbas Variations to Try

• Vegan Power Boost: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra protein by stirring in diced tofu or tempeh before blending.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free broth and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Swap Aleppo pepper with harissa paste or smoked paprika for a more intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets and reduce total cooking time by 5-7 minutes to maintain a lighter texture.

Serving Up Turkish Lentil Soup for Guests

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice crusty sourdough or Turkish pide bread to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Tangy Lemon Zest: Squeeze fresh lemon wedges directly into the soup for a bright, citrusy kick that cuts through the rich lentil base.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or mint on top to add a vibrant green color and fresh herbal notes that complement the warm spices.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crumbled feta cheese or add a dollop of yogurt to create extra creaminess and boost protein content.

Storage Guidance for Turkish Lentil Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping flavors intact and maintaining optimal freshness.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for 2-3 months without losing texture or taste.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour soup into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and reaching desired temperature.

FAQs

• Are lentils good for health in this soup?

Yes, lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate. They support digestion, help stabilize blood sugar, and provide long-lasting energy.

• Can I use different types of lentils?

Red lentils work best for Turkish lentil soup because they cook quickly and break down easily, creating a smooth texture. Green or brown lentils might require longer cooking time.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Turkish lentil soup is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Turkish Lentil Soup Mercimek Corbas Heartwarming Flavor

• Quick Comfort Crafting a hearty soup that warms you from inside out, this recipe delivers rich flavors with minimal kitchen effort.
• Budget-Friendly Feast Lentils make this meal super affordable, packed with protein and nutrition without breaking your wallet.
• Family-Pleasing Meal Smooth texture and mild spices ensure kids and adults alike will enjoy every delicious spoonful, making mealtime stress-free.
• Adaptable Cooking Style Easy to customize with different spices or toppings, this recipe welcomes creative home cooks of all skill levels to experiment and make it their own.

Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbas) Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mercimek corbas is a comforting Turkish soup blending hearty lentils with aromatic spices. Warm bowls of this traditional dish connect diners to Turkish culinary heritage and nourish you with simple, wholesome ingredients.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 medium russet potato, diced
• 2–3 carrots, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons aleppo pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Kosher salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, cut in wedges

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Instructions

1. Sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and cubed potatoes in a large pot over medium heat until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Incorporate tomato paste, vegetable broth, cumin, and red lentils into the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
3. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil for 5 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until lentils and vegetables are completely tender.
4. Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender or standard blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, creating a velvety texture.
5. Prepare the spiced oil by heating olive oil in a small pan, adding crushed Aleppo pepper and minced garlic, cooking until the oil becomes fragrant and slightly infused, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, drizzle with the aromatic spiced oil, and garnish with a fresh lemon wedge for a bright, tangy finish.

Notes

• Master the Vegetable Sauté by ensuring you chop ingredients uniformly to promote even cooking and release maximum flavor.
• Select Red Lentils for faster cooking and smoother texture, which dissolve beautifully and create a luxurious consistency without additional blending effort.
• Control Soup Thickness by adjusting broth quantity – add more liquid for thinner soup or reduce for heartier, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Create Dietary Variations by substituting vegetable broth for vegan version or adding extra protein like shredded chicken for non-vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Turkish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg