TURKISH RED LENTIL SOUP (KIRMIZI MERCIMEK ÇORBASI)

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Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Kirmizi Mercimek Çorbasi) image

This is true comfort food that tastes like a cross between Cream of Wheat and Lentil Soup. Try to get the red lentils because they cook quicker and lend a lovely orangy color to the finished soup (the lentils cook to a yellow, but the tomatoes make it orange). This soup is usually served before a meal with a dollop of yogurt or tzatiki sauce swirled in.

Provided by threeovens

Categories     Lentil

Time 1h45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

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

Steps:

  • In a large pot, bring to a boil 10 to 12 cups of water; add lentils, 2 teaspoons salt, cover and reduce heat, letting simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat another pot, over medium heat, and add onions, cover with olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt; once it begins to sizzle, reduce heat to low and cover for about 5 minutes.
  • To the second pot, add bulgur, pepper, cayenne, and cumin; stir until lightly browned.
  • Add tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, and 4 cups chicken broth; bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
  • Pour the contents of the second pot into the large soup pot with the lentils; cover and simmer until the bulgur and the lentils are soft, about an additional 40 minutes.
  • You may add additional water if you like a thinner soup (as we do).
  • Stir in lemon juice or vinegar; serve a dollop of yogurt with each serving, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 348.6, Fat 11.5, SaturatedFat 1.9, Sodium 1613, Carbohydrate 45.9, Fiber 9.2, Sugar 4.4, Protein 18.9

Tanha Khan
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This soup is a must-try for any lentil lover. It's easy to make, it's packed with flavor, and it's very satisfying. I highly recommend this soup.


Aimr khan
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This soup is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids love this soup and they always ask for seconds. I love that it's a healthy and delicious way to get them to eat their veggies.


Sirajul islam Shaon
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I'm a vegetarian and I'm always looking for new and interesting vegetarian recipes. This soup is a great addition to my repertoire. It's easy to make, it's packed with flavor, and it's very satisfying.


Nakabaale derick
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This soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. I had some leftover carrots, celery, and onions, and I decided to add them to this soup. It turned out great! The soup is thick and creamy and the vegetables add a nice flavor.


Roz sth
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I made this soup for a party and it was a big hit! Everyone loved it. The soup is so easy to make and it's very flavorful. I will definitely be making this soup again.


Waseem Jam
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This soup is a great way to warm up on a cold day. It's also very filling and satisfying. I love the addition of the mint, which adds a nice freshness to the soup.


Timothy Hibeene
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I followed the recipe exactly and the soup turned out great! The lentils were cooked perfectly and the soup was very flavorful. I will definitely be making this soup again.


Mygmarerenchin Odgerel
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This soup is so easy to make and it's packed with flavor. I love the addition of the lemon juice, which brightens up the soup and gives it a refreshing taste.


Otemah Abena Oppong
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I'm not a big fan of lentils, but I decided to give this soup a try. I was surprised at how much I liked it! The lentils are cooked until they are soft and creamy, and the vegetables add a nice flavor. I will definitely be making this soup again.


Yash Chand
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This soup is a great way to use up leftover lentils. I had some cooked lentils in the fridge and I decided to try this soup. It turned out great! The soup is thick and creamy and the lentils add a nice texture.


Nazir Masood
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This soup is amazing! I love the combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices. It's so flavorful and satisfying. I've made it twice now and it's definitely a new favorite.


Nikhil Saxena
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I made this soup for dinner last night and it was a hit! My whole family loved it. The soup is so easy to make and it's packed with flavor. I will definitely be making this soup again.


Habib Azizi
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This Turkish red lentil soup is a delicious and hearty meal! The lentils are cooked until they are soft and creamy, and the vegetables add a nice flavor and texture. I also love the addition of the lemon juice, which brightens up the soup and gives i