Spiced Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

Mercimek Çorbası, or Spiced Lentil Soup, is a traditional Azerbaijani dish that is both nutritious and flavorful. This hearty soup is a staple in Azerbaijani cuisine and is often enjoyed as a comforting meal, especially during the colder months.

Spiced Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
  3. Add the diced carrots and tomatoes to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
  4. Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, and turmeric, and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  7. Once the lentils are cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
  8. Adjust the seasoning if needed and 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
Protein
10g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
5g

Supplies

Large pot Immersion blender or regular blender

Tools

Cutting board Knife Measuring cups and spoons

Serving suggestions

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

Tips & tricks

For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or cream to the soup before serving.

Cost

$10