Description
Turkish Red Lentil Soup is a comforting, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines tender red lentils with fragrant spices and fresh vegetables. Quick to prepare and rich in protein and fiber, this soup is perfect for any season and easy to customize. Whether served smooth or chunky, hot or chilled, it offers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed thoroughly
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
- Pinch of crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- Dollop of yogurt or coconut milk (for creamier texture)
- Diced potatoes, zucchini, or spinach (for veggie boost)
- Cooked ground lamb or shredded chicken (for meat version)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, carrot, and garlic to ensure even cooking and to develop the soup’s base flavor fully.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a rich savory foundation.
- Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in tomato paste, ground cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavors and allow the spices to bloom.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Rinse red lentils well until water runs clear. Add them to the pot, pour in the broth, stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Until Cooked: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the lentils are soft and begin to break down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote a creamy texture.
- Blend for Smoothness (Optional): Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth if desired, or leave chunky for more texture—both versions taste great.
- Season and Finish: Adjust salt to taste, then stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten and balance the flavors.
Notes
- Rinse lentils well to remove excess starch and avoid a gluey soup texture.
- Do not skip sautéing the vegetables; it enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your preferred soup thickness.
- Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its fresh, bright flavor.
- Leftover soup tastes better the next day after flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Turkish red lentil soup, healthy soup, quick soup, vegetarian soup, gluten free, comfort food, easy lentil soup
