Turkish Red Lentil Soup

When we lived in Turkey one of my favorite things to do was to go to our favorite restaurant and order mercimek corbasi aka Turkish Red Lentil Soup.

It is so simple to make, the ingredients are cheap {and I make it cheaper!} and the final outcome is extremely tasty.

How did I save on this recipe?

• Bought the red lentils bulk
• Price matched the loose carrots for $.33 a pound
• Price matched the onions for $.13 a pound
• Price matched the potatoes for $.25 a pound
• I bought the chicken broth on sale at Walgreen’s when they run their sale {and probably got it free by using a register reward}
• The tomato price was a great price when I had a coupon for the Muir Glen brand and got it for about $.25 a can at Walmart.

So, I am figuring that it cost less than $2.00 to prepare this fresh soup that tastes amazing!

Soup variations and preferences:

• In Turkey, they will sometimes add mint and garnish it with mint too.
• Some people will add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to skim the top prior to serving.

I love to top with homemade croutons (which is another article that I will post in a few days). They are so fresh and way cheaper to make than buying a pre-made brand.

Click here to view my other vegetarian recipes.

Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe {Mercimek Corbasi}

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Ingredients

• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrot, chopped
• 1 cup red lentils (washed)
• 2 cups chicken broth (14.5 oz can)
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup potato, diced
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• salt
• pepper

Instructions

1. In a sauce pan, sautee onion and carrot and set aside.
2. In a large cooking pot, add the lentils, broth, potato and water and bring to boil.
3. Add onion / carrot mixture and the tomato paste.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes.
5. Add heavy whipping cream.
6. Remove the pot from heat and blend with hand mixer.
7. Add seasonings to taste.
8. Simmer over medium heat until reheated.

Turkish Red Lentil Soup