Description
This quick and comforting Turkish Lentil Soup is a perfect healthy meal that’s full of flavor. With red lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish, ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or mint leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced carrot and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Soup:
- Add the rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth (or water) to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and carrots are tender.
- Blend (Optional):
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup in a regular blender and return it to the pot.
- Season and Serve:
- Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- This soup is naturally vegan and can be served with a side of warm bread or pita.
- The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Vegan
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish