Fancy a spicy lentil soup from Middle Eastern cuisine that's quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients? Then this soup is just right for you! This red lentil soup recipe not only offers an intense flavor experience but is also rich in protein and fiber. Perfect for gourmets, home cooks, and anyone who enjoys discovering Middle Eastern recipes!
Red lentil soup is a staple in many cultures, from India to the Middle East. In Turkey, it's known as "Mercimek Çorbası" and is one of the country's most popular soups. Red lentils are an important source of protein and have a long shelf life, making them an ideal pantry ingredient. The Turkish version is characterized by its simplicity and the use of spices, which give the oriental soup a pleasant, creamy texture.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients for 4 servings:
- 250 g red lentils
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 carrot (approx. 100 g)
- 1 potato
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.4 L vegetable broth
- salt and pepper
Ingredients for the topping:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried mint
- 1 tsp sweet paprika powder
- Lemon wedges
Preparation:
Preparation: Rinse the lentils thoroughly. Finely chop the onion and garlic. Peel the carrot and potato and cut into small cubes.
Acidify and cook: Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and lentils and sauté briefly, stirring occasionally. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the soup for 20-30 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Simmering lentil soup is crucial for the oriental spices to develop.
Puree and season to taste: Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a chunkier version, you can leave the lentil soup chunky.
Prepare the topping: For the topping, heat the olive oil in a small pan. Stir in the dried mint and paprika and heat briefly.
Serving: Serve the oriental-style red lentil soup in elegant soup bowls, drizzle with the flavored oil and garnish with lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations:
Adaptations: You can also enrich the soup with additional vegetables such as celery or tomatoes. Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley add a special touch to the lentil soup.
Using leftovers: Leftover soup can be easily frozen and quickly reheated when needed.
Seasonal adjustments: In summer, you can add fresh herbs to give the soup a fresh touch.
Serving suggestion:
Present the exotic lentil soup in elegant soup bowls. These stylish bowls perfectly showcase the soup's vibrant color and provide an appealing visual appeal. Garnish the soup with aromatic oil and a few fresh lemon wedges. Serve with a glass of still water or a refreshing mint tea—perfect for complementing the spicy flavor of the soup.
Conclusion:
Turkish lentil soup is a simple yet flavorful dish that's quick and easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can conjure up a healthy and filling meal that's both delicious and visually appealing. Using the Sam hand blender from Springlane It facilitates puréeing and ensures a velvety consistency. Making red lentil soup has never been easier!
Try it and be amazed by the variety and intense flavor of this oriental appetizer.
Have fun cooking and enjoy your meal!
