Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

Mercimek Çorbası, also known as Red Lentil Soup, is a popular and comforting dish in Armenian cuisine. This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy meal, especially during the colder months.

Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon 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. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  2. Rinse the red lentils under cold water and add them to the pot. Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.
  5. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the soup 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
2g

Supplies

Large pot Immersion blender Soup ladle

Tools

Cutting board Knife Measuring cups and spoons

Serving suggestions

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

Tips & tricks

For added flavor, you can sprinkle some lemon juice over the soup before serving.

Cost

$5