Hearty Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

Mercimek Çorbası, or Hearty Lentil Soup, is a traditional Crimean Tatar dish that is both nutritious and comforting. This simple yet flavorful soup is a staple in Crimean Tatar cuisine and is perfect for warming up on a cold day.

Hearty Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the Mercimek Çorbası hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
10 minutes
Cooking time:
30 minutes
Total time:
40 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
200 per serving
Carbohydrates
35g
Protein
12g
Fat
1g

Supplies

Large pot Stirring spoon Knife Cutting board

Tools

Potato peeler

Serving suggestions

Serve the Mercimek Çorbası with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt to each serving of the soup.

Cost

$5