The Best Turkish Lentil Soup Recipe | Vegan & Budget Friendly

Introduction

This video showcases a delightful Turkish lentil soup recipe that is both vegan and budget-friendly. It's a simple, aromatic, and comforting dish, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

  • Lentils
  • Vegetables (not specified, but typically includes onions, carrots, and possibly potatoes or celery)
  • Cumin
  • Chili
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Tomato paste

Preparation Steps

  1. Prepare the Lentils: Clean and rinse the lentils. Set aside for later use.

  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, sauté your choice of diced vegetables until they start to soften.

  3. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: After a few minutes of sautéing the vegetables, add cumin, chili, paprika, and salt to the pot. Mix well. Then, incorporate a good tablespoon of tomato paste, stirring until everything is well combined and aromatic.

  4. Cook the Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot. Pour in water until the ingredients are well-covered. Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

  5. Blend the Soup: Once the lentils and vegetables are cooked, blend the soup using a stick blender or a high-speed blender until it reaches a smooth consistency.

  6. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: Transfer the blended soup back to the pot. If the soup is too thick, add more water until you achieve your desired consistency. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more spices or salt if needed.

  7. Serve: Serve the soup hot. You can garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Conclusion

This Turkish lentil soup is a heartwarming and nutritious dish that's easy to make and gentle on the wallet. The rich blend of spices and tender lentils create a comforting bowl of soup that's perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy it as a main dish or a starter for a larger meal.