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.
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
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the diced carrots and tomatoes to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, and turmeric, and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Season with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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