Name: Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Turkish
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.; Tomato paste (2 tablespoons).; Low-sodium vegetable broth (6 cups).; Aleppo pepper (2 teaspoons).; Ground cumin (1 teaspoon).; Ground coriander (1/2 teaspoon).; Red lentils (1 cup).; Lemon, cut in wedges (1).

A bowl of thick, orange lentil soup garnished with black pepper and fresh parsley, surrounded by vegetables and lemon slices. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My Turkish red lentil soup brings warmth comfort every spoonful. Creamy vegetables aromatic spices blend perfectly ready thirty minutes naturally vegan.

Pure Comfort

Red lentils create silky texture no cream needed. Turkish spices make simple ingredients sing perfect light meal hearty dinner.

Simple Ingredients

Lentils: Red quick cooking creamy.
Vegetables: Potato carrots onion base.
Spices: Aleppo cumin warm depth.
Tomato: Rich paste color flavor.
Broth: Light veggie chicken base.
Oil: Good olive finishing touch.
Lemon: Fresh bright finish.

Easy Steps

Prep: Rinse lentils chop veggies ready set.
Cook: Sauté vegetables paste spices pot.
Simmer: Add broth lentils cook twenty minutes.
Finish: Blend smooth drizzle spiced oil serve.

How to Serve

Warm pita fresh salad complete meal. Squeeze lemon right before eating perfect touch.

A close-up of a bowl of tomato-based soup garnished with a lemon slice and fresh herbs, placed on a wooden surface. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Keep Fresh

Store fridge five days freezer longer. Add splash broth reheating keeps smooth.

Smooth Blend

Use immersion blender right pot easiest. Small batches countertop blender let steam escape safe smooth.

Make It Yours

Add zucchini spinach extra veggies. Try smoked paprika adjust spice level fits taste.

Health Benefits

Protein fiber vitamins every bowl. Spices olive oil bring goodness balanced meal.

Turkish Classic

Simple ingredients reflect Turkish tradition. Red lentils spices lemon capture home cooking spirit.

Perfect Partners

Serve pilaf pita Turkish simit sides. Fresh salads beans herbs complete spread.

Quick Easy

Thirty minutes healthy dinner ready. Pantry staples become wholesome meal busy nights.

Budget Friendly

Simple ingredients stretch food budget. Adapt recipe what you have still delicious.

Make Extra

Double recipe enjoy all week. Freezes perfectly ready whenever needed.

A close-up image of a bowl of orange soup garnished with a lemon wedge and herbs. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is Aleppo pepper and can I substitute it?: Aleppo pepper is a Middle Eastern spice with moderate heat and fruity notes. You can substitute with a mix of paprika and cayenne or red pepper flakes.
→ Why blend the soup?: Blending creates the traditional smooth, velvety texture characteristic of Turkish lentil soup. It also helps the flavors meld together.
→ Can I make this ahead?: Yes, it keeps well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen. The spiced oil should be added fresh when serving.
→ Why add the spiced oil at the end?: The final drizzle of spiced oil adds both flavor and visual appeal. It's a traditional finishing touch that enhances the soup's taste.
→ How can I make this vegan?: The soup is already vegan when made with vegetable broth. No other substitutions are needed.

Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)