Red Lentil Soup: The Turkish Delight That Will Warm Your Soul (And Your Stomach)

 

Red Lentil Soup: The Turkish Delight That Will Warm Your Soul (And Your Stomach)

When most people think of Turkish cuisine, they probably picture mouthwatering kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight. But there's one dish that often gets overlooked, and it's my personal favorite: red lentil soup.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Soup? Really? But trust me, this soup is the real deal. It's hearty, healthy, and oh-so-delicious. And best of all, it's easy to make at home.

Here's my recipe for Turkish red lentil soup:

Ingredients:

1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, chopped

1 potato, chopped

1 tomato, chopped

4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley for garnish

Crusty bread for dipping

Instructions:

In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.

Add the chopped carrot, potato, and tomato, and sauté for a few minutes.

Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the vegetables are tender.

Remove the soup from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.

Add the lemon juice and stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Trust me, once you try this soup, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. It's the perfect comfort food for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather. And best of all, it's a taste of Turkey that you can enjoy no matter where in the world you are.