Description
Turkey's national soup made by simmering red lentils with onions and carrots until they fall apart, then blending into a smooth potage.
Restaurants serving Mercimek Çorbası
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On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Red lentils
- Onion
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Cumin
Instructions
- Wash red lentils briefly. Heat butter and oil in a pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes until translucent. Add tomato paste to release aroma, then stir in the lentils. Pour in plenty of chicken broth (or water), and add salt, pepper, cumin, and dried mint. Cover and simmer on low for 30-
- minutes until lentils and veg completely disintegrate. Finally, blend with a hand mixer until smooth. For an authentic touch, drizzle hot melted butter mixed with paprika and mint on top.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Cumin and Dried mint
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Store-bought lentil soup (pouch)
Pairing
Freshly Baked Bread and Lemon
Trivia
[For Everyone] A national soup always available 24/7 at lokantas. Turks drink this first thing on a hungover morning or a cold winter night.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Squeeze plenty of fresh lemon just before eating, and dip freshly baked bread (ekmek) into it!
Allergen
Dairy