Turkish lentil Soup recipe (Mercimek Çorbası). Tasty vegetarian 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.

Wash the dried red lentils until the water runs clear.

Dice the potatoes and onion, grate the carrot, and dice the tomato.

Chop the garlic cloves.

In a pot, heat vegetable oil and butter, then sauté the onion until translucent.

Add the diced potatoes, grated carrot, and chopped garlic, cooking for a few minutes.

Stir in the diced tomato and cook for another minute.

Add the washed lentils and water, bringing to a boil.

Season with salt, sugar, pepper powder, sweet paprika, dry mint, and thyme (or rosemary or savory).

Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender if desired.

Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, and serve hot with a squeeze of lemon.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary