Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Kirmizi Mercimek Çorbasi)

May 21, 2023May 21, 20230 0
Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Kirmizi Mercimek Çorbasi) – A deliciously hearty soup made with red lentils and spices
in Soup

Prep

15 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

65 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

10 -12 cups beef stock or 10 -12 cups water
3 cups red lentils , picked over and rinsed
3 teaspoons salt , divided
2 cups onions , chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup bulgur
1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ( or more to taste )
1 tablespoon ground cumin
4 tomatoes , chopped
6 ounces tomato paste
1 cup fresh parsley , chopped
4 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
yogurt , for garnish

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
242
Sugar
5g
Fat
10g
Turkish Red Lentil Soup, also known as Kirmizi Mercimek Çorbasi, is a staple in Turkish cuisine and is often enjoyed as a comforting meal during the colder months. This soup is made with red lentils, which are a protein-packed legume that is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. The lentils are simmered with tomatoes, onions, and spices like cumin and cayenne pepper, which give the soup its signature warmth and depth of flavor. The addition of bulgur makes the soup even more satisfying and filling. Turkish Red Lentil Soup is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party.

Instructions

1.Add 10-12 cups of beef stock or water in a large pot and bring to a boil.
2.Add the red lentils and 1 teaspoon of salt and stir well. Let the lentils cook for 10 minutes.
3.In a separate pan, saute the onions in olive oil until golden brown.
4.Add the sauteed onions to the pot of lentils, along with the bulgur, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
5.Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils and bulgur are cooked through.
6.Add the lemon juice or vinegar, fresh parsley, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt. Stir well.
7.Serve the soup hot, topped with a dollop of yogurt.

PROS

Turkish Red Lentil Soup is a hearty and filling meal that is packed with protein and fiber from the lentils.

It is a great option for vegetarians and vegans who are looking to increase their protein intake.

CONS

The soup may be too spicy for some individuals who do not tolerate heat well.

The bulgur in the soup may contain gluten, which can be problematic for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Red lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and aid in weight management.
In addition, the spices used in the soup, such as cumin and cayenne pepper, have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit overall health.

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