Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe (Mercimek Corbasi)
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
327 kcal
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Turkish
Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe (Mercimek Corbasi)
Description
Mercimek Corbasi is a classic Turkish red lentil soup prepared by sautéing onions and carrots in olive oil, then adding tomato paste and spices like cumin, Aleppo pepper, salt, and black pepper before cooking in water with red lentils. The mixture simmers until the lentils are soft and then is blended to a creamy, thick consistency.
This soup balances earthy lentils with aromatic spices and sweet notes from carrot and tomato paste. The gentle heat from Aleppo pepper adds warmth without overpowering. The pureed texture is smooth, making it easy to eat and digest.
Serve the soup warm with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors. It works well as a starter or light meal. Adjust thickness by adding more water if desired.
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to three days and reheated gently with added water to maintain consistency.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 carrot chopped
- 1 1/2 cups red lentils
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp Aleppo pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 cups water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Saute onion until golden. Add tomato paste and cook for a minute.
- Add in carrots and cook for a couple of minutes.
- To the onion and carrot, add the red lentils, salt, pepper, cumin, Aleppo pepper and black pepper. Stir well and cook for a minute.
- Pour in the water and bring the soup to simmer. Cook covered on medium heat for 20 minutes. Uncover and cook for another 10 minutes until the lentils are completely cooked.
- Blend the soup in the blender or using an immersion blender until it's creamy and smooth.
- Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
- Optionally add chopped potato to increase filling power without altering basic flavor.
- Carrots can be omitted if unwanted, with an adjustment to seasoning for balance.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with about 1/3 cup water to restore soup consistency.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 327 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 327kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 641mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 787mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 22g | 88% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2753IU | 55% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 67mg | 7% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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