Name: Turkish Red Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 1 rib celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces; 8 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups split red lentils, dried; 1½ teaspoons salt; 2 twists black pepper; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; 1 handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped; Pita bread; Chili oil (optional, made with 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 4 tablespoons olive oil)

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Turkish Red Lentil Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. It features simple ingredients and a wonderful blend of flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or a hearty lunch. This soup is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, it is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan. If you want a meal that not only tastes great but also nourishes your body, this soup is a perfect choice. With its smooth texture and delightful aroma, you’ll fall in love with every spoonful.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to try this Turkish Red Lentil Soup. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for those who may not have much cooking experience. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, which is great for busy weeknights. The soup is also very healthy. Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied.

Additionally, this recipe is budget-friendly. It uses ingredients that are usually available in most grocery stores, making it easy to gather everything you need. If you have a family, this recipe can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. The soup is perfect for meal prep and can be easily frozen, making it a convenient option for those who want delicious home-cooked meals available at any time.

Lastly, this soup is versatile. You can customize it based on what you have at home or what flavors you enjoy. Whether you prefer it thicker or thinner or with extra spices, this recipe allows you to make it your own.

How to Make Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Making Turkish Red Lentil Soup is quite simple. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a warm and comforting bowl of soup ready in no time.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious soup, you will need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion (chopped)
2 carrots (chopped)
1 rib celery (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into small pieces)
8 cups vegetable broth (add 4 cups at a time if your pot is not big enough)
2 cups split red lentils (dried, not canned)
1½ teaspoons salt
2 twists black pepper
1 lemon (cut into wedges)
1 handful flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
Pita bread
Chili oil (made with 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 4 tablespoons olive oil)

Directions

Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add 1 large chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 1 chopped rib of celery to the pot. Stir these ingredients often for about 4 minutes, until they become tender.
Add Garlic and Spices: Next, add 3 minced or grated cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Fry these ingredients for another minute until fragrant. This step enhances the flavors.
Add Potatoes and Broth: Now, include the 2 medium potatoes that you peeled and chopped into small pieces. Then, pour in 8 cups of vegetable broth and 2 cups of rinsed split red lentils. Mix everything gently.
Season and Simmer: Season the mixture with 1½ teaspoons of salt and 2 twists of black pepper. Allow the soup to simmer on medium heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the lentils are cooked through and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Blend the Soup: Once cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. You can add more broth if it’s too thick. Taste it and adjust the salt if needed.
Prepare Chili Oil (Optional): If you want chili oil, warm up 4 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) in a pan. Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 crushed garlic clove. Fry on low heat for about 1 minute.
Serve: Serve the soup in bowls. Top it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a handful of chopped parsley, and a drizzle of chili oil if desired.

How to Serve Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Serving Turkish Red Lentil Soup is easy and can be done in a few delightful ways. You can serve it hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.

Pair the soup with warm pita bread or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. If you want to elevate the meal, consider topping the soup with roasted chickpeas for added crunch and protein.

When serving, it’s helpful to offer extra lemon wedges on the side, so everyone can adjust the flavor to their liking. Enjoying this soup on a chilly day makes it even more comforting.

How to Store Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Leftover Turkish Red Lentil Soup can be stored easily. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days.

If you want to keep it for a longer time, consider freezing it. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Rinse the Lentils: Always rinse the split red lentils before using them. This step helps to remove any impurities and ensures that they cook evenly.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh flat-leaf parsley adds a wonderful flavor to the soup. You can also experiment with other herbs like cilantro or mint for a different twist.
Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth after blending. For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth initially added.
Spicy Option: If you like a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the chili oil or add a diced jalapeño while sautéing the vegetables.
Creamy Soup: For an extra creaminess, you can add a splash of coconut milk or swirl in some Greek yogurt before serving.

Variations

This soup is versatile, and you can easily create different flavors. Here are a few variations:

Turkish Red Lentil Soup with Spinach: Add a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach at the end of cooking. Stir until wilted for a boost of nutrition.
Spiced Version: Introduce other spices like coriander, turmeric, or paprika to give your soup a unique flavor profile.
Chunky Soup: Instead of blending the soup completely, leave some lentils and vegetables whole for a chunkier texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried lentils instead of canned lentils?

Yes, this recipe specifically uses dried split red lentils. They cook quickly and give the soup a smooth texture. Avoid using canned lentils, as they may alter the cooking time and texture.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, Turkish Red Lentil Soup is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-based products. However, always check your red lentils and broth for any added ingredients that may contain gluten.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. It actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

This Turkish Red Lentil Soup recipe is a wonderful addition to your cooking repertoire. It’s not only tasty but also healthy and satisfying. Enjoy this hearty dish with your loved ones!

Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Why Make This Recipe