When we were recording the current podcast episode, Karine brought this lovely soul for us all to share – I was too busy enjoying it to take any photos, but as you can see, it was so good, I licked the ladle clean!

Turkish Red Lentil Soup from Karine Vignelles

This soup can be found in almost all Turkish restaurants and is called Mercimek çorbasi. It is a popular recipe eaten especially in winter. A few drops of lemon juice as well as a mixture of paprika butter and dried mint can be added when serving. It is very quick and easy to make so I prepare it very often for my family and we always enjoy it. It is also very good value and very filling as well as a very good and healthy protein source, especially for vegetarians.

Ingredients for 4 servings:

1 tbsp olive oil

250g red lentils

1 sweet potato ~ the origin recipe calls for a white potato but I always use a sweet potato as it is healthier and I think it enhances the flavour of the lentils

1 or 2 carrots

1 garlic clove

1 small onion

1 litre vegetable broth

½ tsp turmeric powder

½ tsp cumin powder

1 tbsp tomato puree

Black pepper

Salt

50g butter (optional)

½ tbsp paprika powder (optional)

½ tbsp. dried mint (optional)

Lemon juice (optional)

Method:

Chop the onion and garlic clove.

Peel and rinse the carrots and sweet potato and cut into small cubes.

Heat the olive oil and saute the onion and garlic for a few minutes until soft.

Add the vegetables and saute for a minute

Add the rinsed and drained lentils.

Add the tomato puree as well as the turmeric and cumin powder.

Pour in the vegetable broth, cover and cook for about 30 minutes.

Mix using a hand blender.

Optional paprika and dried mint butter:

Melt the butter in a small pan and add the paprika and dried mint mixture.

Mix everything well.

Serve the lentil soup, drizzled with the dried mint mixture and lemon juice.

Enjoy piping hot for a warming and delicious meal and serve with a slice or 2 of sourdough bread.

I don’t normally add the the paprika and dried mint butter so I include ½ tsp paprika powder when making the soup for added flavour.

Listen here and enjoy!

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