Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

History:

Lentil soup, known as Mercimek Çorbası in Turkish, is a classic and beloved Turkish dish with a rich history. It is a staple in Turkish cuisine and has been enjoyed for generations. Lentil soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a popular choice for both home-cooked meals and in Turkish restaurants. It's often served as a starter or a comforting meal on its own.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 potato, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 6 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for serving)

For the Garnish:

• Extra olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges (optional)
  
  
  

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion, carrot, and potato. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute.

2. Add the Lentils and Spices:

• Add the rinsed red lentils, ground cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.

3. Cook the Lentils:

• Pour in the water or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

4. Blend the Soup:

• Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious, as hot liquids can splatter.
  
  
  

5. Season and Serve:

• Return the pureed soup to the pot and heat it over low heat.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add the juice of 1 lemon to brighten the flavors.
• Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Drizzle each bowl of soup with extra olive oil.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
• Serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

Turkish Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that's enjoyed throughout the year. It's a wonderful example of the warm hospitality and rich culinary traditions of Turkey. Enjoy your homemade Mercimek Çorbası!