Mercimek corbasi is the most consumed red lentil soup in Turkey, present in every lokanta and school cafeteria. Its Anatolian origin makes it a comforting winter dish accessible to everyone. Cumin and lemon when serving are mandatory in Turkish tradition.
Mediterranean
Mercimek corbasi sopa de lentejas
Mercimek corbasi Turkish lentil soup: traditional step-by-step recipe, with chef tips and clear timings.
- Türkiye
- Main course
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Light
- Low fat
- High fiber
- easy
15 min
Tiempo de Preparación
6
Servings
Nutrición por ración
- Calories 245 kcal
- Protein 12 g
- Fiber 8 g
- Carbohydrates 38 g
- Fat 6 g
- Sodium 560 mg
Story behind the dish
Preparation
Mercimek corbasi lentil soup is a Turkish preparation with easy difficulty. Reserve about 50 minutes in total (15 for mise en place and preparation, 35 for cooking). Follow the 6 phases in order: each step indicates what to do, what to observe and, when applicable, the time or level of fire.
Before you start
- Have ready: 300 g of red lentils.
- Have ready: 1 chopped onion.
- Have ready: 1 carrot, cubed.
- Have ready: 1 medium potato, cubed.
- Have ready: 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Salt, oil and spices measured and within reach.
- Clean utensils, board and clear work surface.
-
Heat oil and sauté onion
Heat oil and fry onion, carrot and potato for 5 minutes.
-
Add washed lentils
Add washed lentils, tomato paste, cumin and paprika; mix 2 minutes.
-
Pour broth
Pour in broth, bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 25 minutes.
-
Partially blend with a hand blender, leaving a rustic texture.
Partially blend with a hand blender, leaving a rustic texture.
-
Rectify salt
Adjust salt, pepper and acidity with lemon to taste. Taste before serving: the balance between salt, acidity and fat defines the final result.
Taste before serving: the balance between salt, acidity and fat defines the final result
-
Serve hot with fresh chopped mint and toasted bread.
Serve hot with fresh chopped mint and toasted bread.
Chef's tips
- Test for salt and doneness before serving; the last adjustment makes the difference.
- Use fresh and seasonal ingredients: the quality of the product is noticeable in the final result.
Variations
- Version with whole wheat pasta or brown rice for greater fiber content.
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