5 April 2025

Turkish Lentil Soup

This Turkish Lentil Soup is simple, yet deeply comforting and delicious. Made with just a few humble ingredients, this timeless classic from Turkey offers nourishment, warmth, and tradition in every spoonful. This plant-based dish is perfect for both weekday meals and as entrée for special gatherings, bringing people together around a warm bowl. In this recipe, we’ll explore the roots of this traditional soup, its secrets, and how to prepare it with ease.

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This Turkish Lentil Soup, Mercimek Çorbası, is a staple of Turkish cuisine. Made with red lentils, vegetables, and warming spices, it has a smooth consistency that’s both comforting and nourishing. You can find this beloved soup all across Turkey, from home kitchens to high-end restaurants and even school cafeterias. It’s commonly served as a first course, but it also works wonderfully as a light main dish, especially when paired with fresh bread. Because of its gentle, easy-to-digest nature, red lentil soup is also a popular choice during Ramadan, often served to break the fast.

The ingredients used to prepare this plant-based, velvety soup are simple and pantry-friendly. Red lentils cook quickly, and as they break down, they naturally create a creamy texture without the need for cream. This legume is not only affordable but also highly nutritious— rich in protein and fiber—making the dish suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. Sweet potato and onion add a subtle sweetness, while the blend of spices bring warmth and depth of flavor. Although the base recipe remains largely the same across the country, there are many regional— some spicier, others chunkier— each offering its own twist on this beloved classic.

This Turkish Lentil Soup is perfect for meal prep, and to keep it fresh in the following days, I suggest transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. When reheating, just add a splash of water or broth to bring back its original consistency. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags — just be sure to leave some space for expansion.

Ingredients for spicy lentil soup

Red lentils: They’re packed with plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and essential minerals, making Turkish Lentil Soup even more nourishing. Additionally, red lentils are naturally gluten-free, making the dish suitable for all types of diets. Red lentils are also affordable, easy to store, and quick to prepare, making them perfect for everyday cooking.

Sweet potato: It provides a natural sweetness that balances the warmth of the spices, making the meal comforting and well-rounded. Additionally, sweet potatoes help create a smooth consistency and add thickness to the soup. Finally, this ingredient is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.

Onion: Sautéing the onion at the beginning of the cooking process adds a fragrant foundation to the Turkish Lentil Soup, while also providing a sweet taste that complements the earthiness of the lentils. In addition, onion contributes vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, boosting the nutritional profile of the dish.

Tomato paste: A spoonful of tomato paste provides a savory umami flavor that complements the sweet vegetables and enriches the overall taste. Moreover, tomato paste contributes to the vibrant red color of the soup, making it visually more inviting. Finally, being concentrated, it helps thicken the dish, adding to its comforting texture.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare red lentil soup

Sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a large pot with olive oil until soft. Then add the tomato paste, along with the chopped carrots, sweet potato, and red lentils. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring to combine.

Season with paprika, oregano, and cumin, then cover with water and let everything cook for about 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.

Using an immersion blender, blend everything until you achieve a smooth consistency. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and some freshly chopped parsley.

My tips for smooth velvety soup

You can adjust the consistency of the Turkish Lentil Soup based on your preference. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of liquid; for a lighter version, add more water or broth.

For an extra burst of flavor, melt butter and infuse it with Aleppo pepper or chilli flakes before drizzling it over the soup.

For a richer flavor, substitute water with vegetable broth.

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!