A Deliciously Tasty Turkish Lentil Soup Recipe
Lentil is literally a soup of biblical proportions, being mentioned in the first book of The Old Testament. One reason lentils have been popular since time began, is that they’re easy to dry and store, and they don’t need to soak before cooking like other dried legumes.
Another reason lentils are beloved is for their extraordinary nutritional value. If you’re in search of a modern superfood, look no further than the ancient lentil. There filled with protein, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, and zinc. So it’s no wonder these tasty beans have made a culinary mark in nearly every country one the planet.
Lentil soup is an extremely popular soup with many variations. Some countries use brown lentils in a simple broth with carrots and potatoes. While other countries like Turkey, use red lentils, a variety of vegetables, and a ton of spices to it a hearty meal full of flavor.
This recipe for Turkish lentil soup takes all of those ingredients and turns it into a velvety smooth pot full of aromatic goodness. It can be served as a stand-alone dish or with a myriad of yummy sides.
A Deliciously Tasty Turkish Lentil Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 6
Ingredients
For The Soup
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, skinned and chopped
- 1 large potato (russet), peeled and diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of fresh black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 5 cups of chicken stock
- 1 cup of red lentils
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of dried mint
For Paprika Oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoons of paprika
- 4 tablespoons of canola oil
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. When the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the diced carrots and potatoes. Sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add the garlic and stir for 39 seconds.
4. Add the tomato paste, cumin, salt, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir for 30 seconds. Deglaze the pot with a little chicken stock.
5. Add the remaining stock and lentils. Mix well and increase the heat until the soup starts bubbling. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir frequently.
6. Remove the soup pot from the stove and add the mint. With an immersion blender, mix the soup until it’s smooth.
7. If you’re using the paprika oil, heat the oil in a small pot and add the paprika. Stir to combine.
8. Serve the soup with the paprika drizzle and lemon wedges.
Tips
- If the soup is too thick for your taste, feel free to add some water as you’re blending.
- Chicken broth can be switched out for vegetable stock, or bone broth.
Nutritional Information
- calories: 233
- fat: 5 grams
- cholesterol: 1 milligram
- sodium: 516 milligrams
- carbohydrates: 39 grams
- fiber: 12 grams
- sugar: 8 grams
- protein: 9 grams
How Long Will Turkish Lentil Soup Last In The Refrigerator?
Turkish lentil soup will last for about 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to place it in an airtight container after letting it cool. You’ll know if it’s gone bad because it will develop a fuzzy mold and bad odor.
Can You Freeze Turkish Lentil Soup?
This lentil soup freezes beautifully and will stay fresh in the freezer for 4–5 months. When defrosting, place the entire container in a warm water bath (in the sink). This will gently speed up the process.
Is Turkish Lentil Soup Healthy?
Turkish lentil soup is one of the healthiest soups out there. Lentils are considered a superfood all on their own. They contain a ton of folate, calcium, protein, iron, and fiber. When combined with the other ingredients, it turns into a big old pot health benefits including :
- supporting weight loss
- fighting free radicals that can cause cancer
- healthy bones
- regulating blood sugar
- supports heart health
- increasing blood flow
- increasing energy
- digestive health
- supporting a healthy pregnancy
- reduce the symptoms of menopause
What Are Some Great Sides To Serve With Turkish Lentil Soup?
Turkish lentil is no ordinary soup. It’s healthy while being hearty. It’s got a touch of the exotic, while maintaining its delicious simple flavors. So it deserves a side that matches its unique characteristics. We think you’ll enjoy these suggestions.
1. Bombay Sandwich
Looking for something similar to grilled cheese, but a bit more substantial? This sandwich is for you. Sauté some onions, then add it to the cheese along with some tomato, and grill away.
2. Courgette Fritters
These delicious little cakes are vegetarian and use feta cheese, onion, yogurt, mint, garlic, and breadcrumbs to create a healthy side for your lentil soup.
3. Coriander Lime Rice
With its refreshing taste and colorful appearance, this rice will look great when served alongside the lentil soup.
4. Pull Apart Garlic Bread
This flavor filled bread makes a fun centerpiece for any table with soup on it. It’s especially good when the kids are around, and you’re having a hard time getting them to eat. It makes a great dipper too.
5. Coleslaw
This classic, creamy salad is a nice contrast to the soup. It’s cool, crunchy, and full of tangy tastiness.
6. Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus tend to give an air of class to any dish. Not to mention they are full of vitamins and totally yummy.
Is There A Difference Between Red Lentils And Brown Lentils?
A lentil is a lentil, right? Not quite. Though all lentils are flavorful and nutritious, they do have distinct differences. Here we’ll explore the two most popular of the legumes, red and brown.
Brown Lentils
- chewy and firm
- hold shape after cooking
- take 30–45 minutes to cook
- higher in fiber than red lentils
- causes less gas than other lentils
Red Lentils
- soft and mushy when cooked
- lose their shape when cooked
- takes 15–25 minutes to cook
- higher in fiber than brown lentils
- more expensive than brown lentils
What Are Some Other Delicious Turkish Soups?
The Turkish people take their soups seriously. They believe that serving soup before a main meal “softens the stomach”, and gets it ready for a bigger meal. Some popular Turkish soups include:
- Tarhana Soup – made with yogurt, vegetables, and spices. The most popular of Turkish soups.
- Cold Ayranasi – consists of bulgur and chickpeas.
- Dygun – a wedding celebration soup made with lamb, yogurt, onions, and carrots.
- Tripe Soup – this soup features tripe (stomach lining from a cow), garlic, and red pepper. It’s said to cure hangovers.
