Turkish Red Lentil Soup with Mint

Turkish Red Lentil Soup with Mint is a warm and comforting dish that’s easy to make. Packed with flavors and nutrients, this soup is perfect for any day. It’s especially good when the weather is chilly or when you want a light yet filling meal.

Why Make This Recipe

This soup is not just delicious; it is also healthy! Red lentils are full of protein and fiber, and the mint adds a lovely fresh taste. It’s simple to cook and great for sharing with family or friends. Plus, it’s a wonderful choice for busy weeknights or weekends when you want something cozy and satisfying.

How to Make Turkish Red Lentil Soup with Mint

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
0.5 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
0.25 cup diced tomatoes, drained
5 cups chicken stock
0.5 cup red lentils
0.25 cup fine bulgur
0.25 cup rice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried mint
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

• Gather the ingredients.

• Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it begins to soften, about 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Then, add the diced tomatoes and let them cook for 10 minutes.

• Next, stir in the chicken stock, red lentils, bulgur, rice, tomato paste, mint, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the lentils and rice are tender, about 30 minutes.

• Once ready, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth.

How to Serve Turkish Red Lentil Soup with Mint

Serve the soup warm in bowls. You can garnish it with a sprig of fresh mint or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Turkish Red Lentil Soup with Mint

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in portions for longer storage. Just make sure to defrost it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Turkish Red Lentil Soup with Mint

• Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne!
• If you want a thicker soup, you can blend it a little more or add fewer liquids.
• Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

Variation

You can add vegetables like carrots or spinach to the soup for more nutrients. If you want a vegetarian version, simply replace chicken stock with vegetable stock.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
No, because it contains bulgur. You can replace bulgur with quinoa for a gluten-free option.

3. Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Yes, dried mint works well in this recipe. Just remember to use a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.