Mercimek Çorbası
AI-generated image
Vegan Gluten-free Turkish

Mercimek Çorbası

A silky Turkish red lentil soup enriched with carrot, potato, onion, and a gentle finish of dried mint and Aleppo pepper. Bright lemon at the table balances its earthy, comforting depth.

50 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Rinse the red lentils in a fine-mesh sieve under cool running water until the water is mostly clear. Drain well.
2
Heat 20 ml olive oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and a pinch of salt; sauté for 6–8 minutes until the onion is translucent and the carrot begins to soften.
3
Add the potato and garlic and sauté for 1 minute, just until the garlic smells fragrant. Stir in 1 tsp dried mint and half of the Aleppo pepper.
4
Add the drained lentils and hot vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the lentils and potato are completely tender.
5
Blend the soup with an immersion blender until completely smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust the salt; if needed, stir in a little hot water to reach a pourable consistency.
Immersion blender smoothing Turkish red lentil soup AI-generated image
6
Heat the remaining 10 ml olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the remaining dried mint and Aleppo pepper and warm for 20–30 seconds, until aromatic but not darkened.
7
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and spoon the seasoned oil over each portion. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing at the table.
Silky Turkish red lentil soup finished with mint, pepper oil, and lemon AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Red lentils break down naturally during simmering, while potato adds body and carrot brings subtle sweetness. A short bloom of mint and Aleppo pepper in olive oil gives the smooth soup its characteristic Turkish finish without overpowering its earthy flavor.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool the soup promptly and refrigerate it in a covered container for up to 4 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir before reheating.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often, until steaming hot throughout. Add 30–60 ml water per serving if the soup has thickened.

Nutrition / serving

314kcal
14.91 gprotein
48.58 gcarbs
7.84 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 21 Aug 2026