In the archives of this website, there are many different soup recipes that you can make that are similar in nutrition and style, such as my Green Lentil Soup, Carrot Ginger Soup, and Vegan Sweet Potato Soup. So, if you are a fan of veggie-packed creamy soups, you are in the right place.
Quick and Easy To Make: This Turkish lentil soup recipe requires 6 ingredients, is made in one pot, and takes about 30 minutes to cook so you don’t have to worry about taking up copious amounts of time and effort for this delicious meal. New to red lentils? No problem: Red lentils are a staple of most Turkish kitchens but if you are new to cooking with red lentils, this recipe is an easy place to start! The simple steps that I will go into detail below will make cooking with red lentils a breeze.Diet-Friendly: In addition to being highly nutritious, thanks to lentils, this heart-warming soup is also an excellent option for those looking for a vegan and gluten-free meal.
While those are the basic ingredients you will need, below I am including a few add-ins and swaps you can use:
Tomato Paste or Red Pepper Paste: If you want to add a little more color or spice to your soup, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or red pepper paste. Chicken Broth: Although this Turkish lentil soup is vegan by default, you can always substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock. If you go with chicken stock, I would recommend using 4 cups of stock and 4 cups of water, as all chicken stock might be a little bit overpowering.Additional Seasoning: If you want to add a little extra flavor to your soup, try incorporating fresh herbs and spices such as fresh parsley, fresh mint, ground cumin, and/or red pepper flakes.
Lemon Wedges: The traditional Turkish lentil soup is always served with lemon wedges on the side as a squeeze of lemon juice truly takes it to a whole new level and brightens the flavors.Crusty Bread or Croutons: Serve it with a few slices of Brioche, No Knead Bread or Challah. Or go with croutons.Aleppo Pepper Oil – The Butter Drizzle: While it takes a few extra minutes to prepare, drizzling it with melted butter is not only the traditional way of serving it but also a wonderful addition to up the flavors of this red lentil stew. To do so, warm up half a stick of butter (4 tablespoons) in a small skillet over low heat until lightly browned. Add in 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or Aleppo pepper, if you have it). Then right before serving, drizzle each bowl with a tablespoon of the butter drizzle. With that being said, if you are short on time, you can finish it off with a drizzle of olive oil as well.
Consistency: I followed in the footsteps of my mom and used 8 cups of liquid. However, if you want your soup to be thicker, you can use less liquid or if you want it to be thinner you can add in more. Either way, I recommend making adjustments in half a cup increments.Texture: It is easy to adjust the texture of this lentil soup to your taste. If you prefer your soup to be silkier, simply blend it longer. If you prefer a chunkier version, blend until it reaches the consistency you like. No immersion blender? No problem: If you do not have an immersion blender, a regular blender or food processor will also work. Just be sure to be careful if you are using one of these alternatives, as the soup will be super hot.
Salad: Piyaz Salad aka White Bean and Tomato SaladMain Course: Turkish Kofte aka Turkish Meatballs or Turkish Stuffed EggplantSide dish: Bulgur Wheat PilafDessert: Easy Turkish Baklava
If you try this Red Lentil Turkish Soup recipe or any other one of our soup recipes on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.
