🇹🇷 Turkey · Food
Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)
By eatmundo · July 5, 2026
🇹🇷 TRThis comforting and nourishing Red Lentil Soup is a staple in Turkish homes, beloved for its simple yet deeply satisfying flavor. Made with red lentils, vegetables, and a vibrant mint-infused butter topping, it’s a warming hug in a bowl, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Begin by preparing your ingredients: rinse 1 cup (200g) of red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Finely chop 1 medium onion, 1 medium carrot, and 1 small potato.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté gently for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and softened, without browning.
- 3
Stir in the chopped carrot and potato, cooking for another 3-4 minutes. Then, add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook out its raw flavor and deepen the color.
- 4
Now, add the rinsed red lentils to the pot, along with 6 cups (1.4 liters) of hot water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are very tender.
- 5
Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until it's completely smooth and creamy. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, being cautious with hot liquids.
- 6
For the vibrant topping, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 teaspoon of dried mint and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for just 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the mint or pepper.
- 7
Serve the hot, creamy red lentil soup in bowls. Drizzle each serving with a spoonful of the fragrant mint and red pepper butter, and offer fresh lemon wedges on the side for a bright, tangy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak red lentils for Mercimek Çorbası, and what type should I use?+
No, red lentils cook quickly and do not require presoaking. For the best creamy texture, use split red lentils (mercan mercimek), as they break down easily during cooking.
How do I achieve the characteristic smooth and creamy texture of Red Lentil Soup?+
Once the lentils and vegetables are very tender, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until it's completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully blend in batches using a regular blender.
What are the essential garnishes or toppings for authentic Turkish Red Lentil Soup?+
The traditional finishing touch involves a drizzle of "nane yağı," a melted butter mixture infused with dried mint and red pepper flakes. A wedge of fresh lemon to squeeze over the soup is also crucial for authentic flavor.
My Red Lentil Soup tastes a bit bland; how can I enhance its flavor?+
Make sure to properly sauté the diced onion, carrot, and potato until softened before adding the lentils and liquids, as this builds the foundational flavor. Don't forget the final butter, mint, and red pepper flake infusion, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
🇹🇷 TRMundo Match
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