Turkish Red Lentil Soup
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
3 servings
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Calories
179 kcal
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Course
Soup
Turkish Red Lentil Soup
Description
Turkish Red Lentil Soup starts by sautéing onion, garlic, and carrot in neutral oil with a pinch of salt, creating a savory base. Ground cumin, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes add aromatic warmth and mild heat. Tomatoes and tomato paste enrich the broth, while fresh or dried mint brings a distinctive herbal note that is characteristic of Turkish cuisine.
Red lentils and water simmer until tender, then the soup is partially blended to achieve a creamy consistency without losing all texture. The flavor is brightened with lemon juice and rounded with olive oil before serving. The soup is traditionally enjoyed with fresh flatbread or croutons and can be served with a side salad for a light meal.
The recipe offers versatility to prepare in an Instant Pot by using the saute function for the initial steps, then pressure cooking briefly to speed the process while maintaining flavor. This soup balances richness and lightness, making it satisfying yet not heavy.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 3/4 cup onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 1/3 cup carrot 4 baby carrot or 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1/2 tsp cumin ground
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano dried
- 1/4 tsp black pepper or more
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1-2 tbsp tomato paste or Ketchup
- 1 tbsp mint leaves or use 1/2 tsp dried mint, chopped, fresh
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 2 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth, to 3
- 1/2-3/4 tsp salt or more salt
- red pepper flakes mint, lemon juice and olive oil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions, garlic and pinch of salt and cook until translucent. 5 minutes.
- Add the carrots and the spices and mix well. You can also add in a good pinch of cinnamon for variation. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato, tomato ketchup and mint and mix and cook for 2 minutes. You can add some veggies and greens veggies at this point.
- Add the red lentils, water and salt and mix. Partially cover and cook for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for a few more minutes until the lentils are tender to preference. Taste and adjust salt and spice and mix in. Add more water if needed.
- Cool slightly and blend with an immersion blender or regular blender(carefully). Serve in bowls with a garnish pepper flakes, lemon juice, a few drops of olive oil and chopped fresh mint(optional). Serve with croutons or flatbread of choice or a side salad.
Notes
- You can prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot by sautéing aromatics, then pressure cooking the lentils with water for 3 minutes followed by a quick release.
- Nutrition information is calculated per one serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 179 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 179kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Sodium | 496mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 677mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 11g | 44% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 2825IU | 57% |
| Vitamin C | 18.8mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 85mg | 9% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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