Mercimek Çorbası / Turkish Red Lentil Soup

red lentils

🥗Healthier: green lentils

💰Cheaper: split peas

Green lentils are more nutritious, while split peas are often cheaper.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier, while vegetable oil is budget-friendly.

Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté chopped onion, garlic, and carrot. Stir fry until fragrant and onion becomes translucent.

Mix in red lentils and a pinch of turmeric (if using), and continue to stir for a few minutes.

Add vegetable stock (or water), stir, and loosely cover the pan. Let it cook until everything is soft, checking and stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

After everything is cooked and soft, remove from the stove. Use a hand-held blender (or move into a blender jar) and blend until smooth. Reheat over medium heat, add salt, mix, and taste. Adjust consistency with more stock or water if too thick.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary