One of the most commonly found soups in Turkish cuisine is red lentil soup.
When looking for this delicious liquid on the menu, you’ll find it under mecimek çorba (pronounced “meh-ji-mek chor-ba”). Mecimek in Turkish means “lentil” and çorba means “soup,” so you’re literally ordering lentil soup. Don’t worry, it won’t take 30 minutes if you order it from a restaurant.
And that soup will always be red (or sometimes orange, depending on the amount of water used.)
30 Minute Red Lentil Soup
Prep: 10mins Cook time: 20 mins Servings: 6-7
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 c. red lentils
- water
- spices (salt & pepper, chili flakes)
- 1/2 lemon (juiced)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and tomato paste. Make sure tomato paste is broken apart and spreads evenly. Cook a few minutes or until onions become translucent.
- Add lentils and water.
- Add spices, cover and cook for about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to blend ingredients together. If a thinner soup is desired, add more hot water and blend again. (This can also always be added later to lengthen the duration of the soup.)
- Serve immediately with a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon and bread (optional).
This 30 minute red lentil soup pairs great with Turkish rice. For the recipe click here.
For more Turkish recipes:
