Mercimek Çorbasi Turkish Lentil Soup Recipe

The recipe for the Turkish red lentil soup Mercimek Çorbasi is quite easy,
but nevertheless it´s a real culinary delight. Just served with Turkish bread,
the lentil soup is substantial, warming and sooooo delicious.

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Image: Mercimek Çorbasi Turkish Lentil Soup
Photographer: Anuparp Ratanakhon

Recipe: Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbasi)
Ingredients:
olive oil
200 g red lentils
1 carrot
1 potato
1 onion
4-5 garlic cloves
1-2 stems pascal celery
1 l vegetable broth
2 tablespoons butter or ghee (clarified butter)
1 teaspoon dried mint (Nana mint)
1 teaspoon paprika powder noble sweet
1/2 -1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper or turkish chili mix (Pul Biber)
salt
freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:
Chop carrot, potato, onion, celery
and garlic in small pieces and caramelize them in hot olive oil.
Add red lentils and fry them for 2-3 minutes.
then add broth and let it simmer for about 30 – 40 minutes.
Stir frequently !
Blend the soup in a blender and heat it again.
Melt ghee in a pan and froth up mint, paprika powder and Cayenne pepper
add this spice mix to the red lentil soup and serve it hot,
best with Turkish bread (pide) or pita.