Turkish · Lunch · Easy
Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Corba)
- Total
- 42 min
- Prep
- 10 min
- Serves
- 4
- Calories
- 250
Red lentils melt into a smooth carrot-and-tomato soup, warmed with cumin and paprika and finished with a little dried mint.
A brief simmer is enough for Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Corba) because split red lentils soften and lose their shape quickly. Blending turns the carrot and onion into the broth, giving it a creamy texture without dairy.
Use red split lentils rather than green or brown ones, which keep their skins and take longer to cook. Rinse them well, then blend only after the carrot is completely soft for the smoothest result.
Method
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion and carrot for until the onion softens.
Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, dried mint, dried thyme, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook for until fragrant.
Add red lentils, vegetable stock, water and salt. Bring to a simmer, partially cover and cook over low heat for until lentils collapse and carrot is very soft.
Blend with an immersion blender until smooth, keeping the blade submerged. Ladle into bowls while hot.
Forkue tips
- For a thinner soup, add hot water a little at a time after blending.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate for 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat over low heat with a splash of water; the lentils thicken considerably as they cool.
Kitchen gear
Forkue may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you.Nutrition per serving, estimated
Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Corba): FAQ
Can I use green lentils?
They need a longer simmer and produce a coarser, darker soup. Split red lentils give the intended smooth texture.
Do I need a blender?
A blender gives the silkiest result. Without one, dice the carrot finely and whisk the cooked lentils vigorously for a more rustic soup.
How do I store and reheat Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Corba)?
Refrigerate for 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat over low heat with a splash of water; the lentils thicken considerably as they cool.
How long does Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Corba) take?
About 42 min in total: 10 min prep and 32 min cooking.
What do I need to make Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Corba)?
The key ingredients are red lentils, onion, carrot, tomato paste, cumin and paprika, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Corba)?
For a thinner soup, add hot water a little at a time after blending.
