Allergens: Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Nut-Free | Vegan | High-Protein
Cuisine: Turkish
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Mercimek Çorbası (mehr-juh-mek chor-bah-suh) is one of the most beloved soups in Turkey, served in homes and restaurants alike, often as the first course of any meal. It features red lentils simmered with onions, carrots, and spices, then blended into a silky texture and brightened with a squeeze of lemon. Affordable, comforting, and deeply nourishing, this soup reflects the heart of Anatolian home cooking—simple ingredients transformed into soulful flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp sweet paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Dried mint or chili flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In a pot, heat olive oil. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot until soft (5–6 minutes).
2. Add Lentils & Spices:
   • Stir in cumin and paprika. Add red lentils and broth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Simmer:
   • Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until lentils are soft and soup thickens.
4. Blend & Serve:
   • Use an immersion blender for a silky texture (optional). Garnish with mint or chili flakes. Serve with lemon.

Dietary Substitutions & Allergen Swaps

• Oil-Free: Sauté vegetables in water or broth.
• Low-Carb: Substitute half the lentils with cauliflower or zucchini puree.
• More Protein: Add cooked chickpeas or top with tofu croutons.

Chef’s Tips

• Texture Flexibility: Blend fully for creaminess, or leave chunky for a rustic feel.
• Soup Base: This recipe freezes well—perfect for batch cooking.
• Flavor Layer: Serve with a swirl of chili oil or garlic-infused olive oil for depth.

Wine Pairing

Pair with a dry Vermentino or a light Pinot Grigio. For a red option, go with a mellow Grenache to complement the cumin and lentils.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use brown lentils instead?
A: Yes, but they take longer to cook and won’t have the same creamy texture.

Q: Is this soup always blended?
A: Not necessarily—some prefer it chunky. Blending is a personal choice.

Q: Can I add other veggies?
A: Absolutely! Potatoes, tomatoes, or bell peppers are all good additions.

Q: Is Mercimek Çorbası freezer-friendly?
A: Yes—store in individual containers and reheat as needed.

Cozy up with a bowl of Turkish Mercimek Çorbası and share your version by tagging @simplycookingx with #GlobalCuisineSeries — warming bellies and hearts, one bowl at a time.