Mercimek Çorbası: Authentic Turkish Lentil Soup Recipe

Mercimek Çorbası is much more than a simple lentil soup; it is the soul of Turkish cuisine and a fundamental staple during winter months and the month of Ramadan. Known in other Middle Eastern countries as shorbat adas, it stands out for its velvety texture and its ability to comfort with very basic ingredients.

At Aromata, we teach you how to prepare this gastronomic gem that, in addition to being delicious and nutritious, is naturally vegan if you choose to substitute dairy accompaniments.

Ingredients for Turkish Lentil Soup

To achieve that authentic and deep flavor, you will need the following elements:

• The vegetable base: 1 large onion, 1 celery stalk, and 1 carrot (all finely chopped), along with 4 cloves of garlic.
• Legumes and broth: 1 ½ cups (250 g) of dry lentils (preferably red or yellow) and 2 liters of vegetable broth.
• Aromata Spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of five-pepper blend, and a touch of chipotle for the final finish.
• Citrus touches: Juice of 1 or 2 lemons and dried oregano.
• For the gourmet touch (garnish): Butter, sweet paprika, Greek yogurt, croutons, and fresh parsley.

The use of Aromata ground cumin is essential in this recipe, as it provides that earthy and warm note that defines Middle Eastern cuisine.

Mercimek Çorbası Recipe Step by Step

Follow this process to achieve a smooth soup full of nuances:

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add the celery, carrot, and garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Flavoring: Add the cumin and oregano. If you have sweet pepper paste, add it now to distribute evenly and add color.
3. Cooking the lentils: Add the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook with the lid on for about 20 minutes, until everything is tender.
4. Texturize and season: Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy. Add lemon juice, salt, and our five-pepper blend to taste.

The finishing touch: Paprika and Chipotle Butter

To elevate the dish to the next level, prepare the traditional Turkish dressing: heat the butter until browned (about 3 minutes), remove from heat and mix with a little olive oil, sweet paprika, and a pinch of our chipotle chili.

Presentation: Serve in individual bowls, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt, some crunchy croutons, a drizzle of the spiced butter, and chopped fresh parsley.

This soup keeps perfectly in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it ideal for weekly batch cooking. Enjoy a sensory journey to Istanbul from your kitchen!

Discover our spices for world cuisine

At Aromata, we select the best origins for our spices, ensuring that your international recipes have the most authentic and vibrant flavor.

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