Turkish Lentil Soup

Imagine the comforting aroma of Turkish Lentil Soup wafting through your kitchen, with its vibrant colors and rich scent inviting you in.

This delightful soup is a breeze to prepare, offering warmth and nourishment with every spoonful.

As the simple ingredients meld together, they transform into a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Let’s bring this cozy, savory delight to life in your own home.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 blender or immersion blender

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Turkish Lentil Soup, here’s a suggested timeline:

1. Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes)
   • Take this time to read through the entire recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. This guarantees you have everything on hand before you start cooking.
2. Preparation (10 minutes)
   • Rinse 1 cup of red lentils.
   • Chop 1 medium onion and dice 1 carrot.
   • Measure out 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 4 cups of vegetable broth.
   • Prepare 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped.
3. Cooking (30 minutes)
   • Minute 0-5: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Minute 5-10: Add chopped onion and diced carrot; sauté until softened.
   • Minute 10-12: Stir in ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
   • Minute 12-15: Add the rinsed red lentils and mix well.
   • Minute 15-17: Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste; stir to combine.
   • Minute 17-20: Bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Minute 20-40: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Blending and Final Touches (5 minutes)
   • Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
   • Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and adjust seasoning if necessary.
   • Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Serving (2 minutes)
   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and diced carrot and sauté until softened.

Stir in ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt.

Add rinsed red lentils to the pot and mix well.

Pour in vegetable broth and tomato paste, stirring to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.

Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.

Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Let the soup rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful soup.
• Lemon Wedges: Provide lemon wedges on the side for those who like a tangy kick.
• Yogurt Drizzle: Add a dollop of plain yogurt on top for a creamy contrast.
• Rice Pilaf: Pair with a side of rice pilaf for a more filling meal.
• Pickled Vegetables: Accompany with pickled vegetables to add a revitalizing crunch.

Storage

To store Turkish Lentil Soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat before serving.

Freezing

To freeze Turkish Lentil Soup, allow it to cool completely.

Transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.

Label with date.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

When reheating Turkish Lentil Soup, add a bit more broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.

Heat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, to guarantee even warming.

Final Thoughts

Turkish Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish. It’s perfect for those chilly days when you crave something warm and filling.

The combination of spices like cumin and paprika gives the soup a deep, aromatic flavor.

Plus, the addition of lemon juice adds an invigorating tang that balances the richness of the lentils.

Whether you make it smooth or chunky, this soup is sure to satisfy.

Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread, and you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Green or Brown Lentils Instead of Red?

You can substitute green or brown lentils for red, but adjust the simmering time to 30-40 minutes as they take longer to cook. Their firmer texture will alter the soup’s consistency, resulting in a less creamy dish.

What Can I Substitute for Tomato Paste?

You can substitute tomato paste with an equal amount of pureed canned tomatoes or tomato sauce. For added depth, reduce them by half in a saucepan to achieve a similar concentration and consistency as paste.

How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?

Increase heat by adding 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. For a smoky kick, incorporate 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you go, until desired spiciness is achieved.

Is This Soup Suitable for a Vegan Diet?

Yes, it’s suitable for a vegan diet. All ingredients are plant-based, including lentils, spices, and vegetable broth. Confirm the broth doesn’t contain animal products. Adjust seasoning to enhance flavor, maintaining the soup’s rich, aromatic profile.

Can I Add Meat to This Soup?

Yes, you can add meat. Sauté 200 grams of diced lamb or chicken with the onions until browned. This enhances flavor and protein content. Adjust your seasoning, ensuring balance, and increase cooking time for tender meat integration.

Turkish Lentil Soup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Turkish

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Blender or immersion blender

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup red lentils rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 carrot diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and diced carrot and sauté until softened.
• Stir in ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
• Add rinsed red lentils to the pot and mix well.
• Pour in vegetable broth and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.
• Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
• Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Let the soup rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can sauté the onions until they are golden brown before adding the carrots. Also, if you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some cooked lentils before blending and add them back in afterward. Remember that the soup will thicken as it cools, so you might want to add a bit more broth or water when reheating leftovers.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.