🇹🇷 Turkey · Food
Yüksük Çorbası (Tiny Dumpling Soup)
By eatmundo · July 5, 2026
🇹🇷 TRYüksük Çorbası is a hearty and flavorful soup from the Adana region of Turkey, known for its tiny, delicate beef-filled dumplings. Cooked with chickpeas in a tangy tomato and mint broth, and finished with a creamy yogurt-garlic sauce, it's a comforting dish that warms both body and soul.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
**Prepare the Dumpling Dough:** In a bowl, combine 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour, 1 medium egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and gradually add about 50ml (1/4 cup) water. Knead until a firm, smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- 2
**Make the Filling:** While the dough rests, mix 150g (5.3 oz) ground beef with 1/4 finely grated small onion, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pinch off tiny pieces of rested dough, roll them very thin (like for pasta), and cut into tiny squares (about 1x1 cm or 0.4x0.4 inches).
- 3
**Form the Dumplings:** Place a tiny amount of the beef filling (about 1/4 teaspoon) onto each dough square. Pinch the opposite corners together to form small, boat-like dumplings, ensuring they are well-sealed. This process takes time, so enlist help if possible!
- 4
**Cook the Soup Base:** In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté 1 finely chopped medium onion until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until its color deepens and it smells fragrant.
- 5
**Add Liquids and Chickpeas:** Pour in 6 cups (1.5 liters) of hot water or beef broth. Bring to a boil, then add 1 cup (200g) of pre-cooked chickpeas. Season with salt to taste. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 6
**Boil the Dumplings:** Gently add the prepared tiny dumplings to the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and are tender. Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary.
- 7
**Prepare Yogurt-Garlic Sauce and Serve:** In a small bowl, whisk 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt with 1 crushed garlic clove and 1/4 cup (60ml) water. Separately, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small pan, add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon dried mint, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Serve the soup hot, topped with a drizzle of the minty butter and a spoonful of the garlic yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal size for the tiny dumplings (yüksük) and how do I ensure they don't break apart in the soup?+
The dumplings should be about the size of a chickpea or a little smaller. To prevent them from breaking, ensure the dough is well-kneaded and firm, and avoid overcooking them once added to the soup.
What type of beef is best for the dumpling filling and how finely should it be minced?+
Use lean ground beef (e.g., from the shoulder or round) for the filling. It should be very finely minced or twice-ground to ensure a smooth texture and even cooking within the tiny dumplings.
Can I use canned chickpeas, or should I use dried ones for Yüksük Çorbası?+
While dried chickpeas (soaked and boiled until tender) offer the best texture, pre-cooked canned chickpeas can be used for convenience; just ensure they are well-rinsed and added towards the end to heat through.
What is the key to achieving the vibrant flavor of the butter and mint sauce?+
Fresh mint is crucial; sauté it briefly in melted butter until fragrant but not browned, then immediately remove from heat to preserve its bright green color and fresh aroma.
🇹🇷 TRMundo Match
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