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Test Kitchen Approved

Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Recipe By Laurel Aly-Forest, Savory Spice Shop—Sellwood/Portland, OR

Yields

6 to 8 servings

Recipe By Laurel Aly-Forest, Savory Spice Shop—Sellwood/Portland, OR

This simple yet elegant soup has lovely layers of flavor and highlights the uniquely Mediterranean combination of spearmint and sumac.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, chopped






1 cup red lentils, washed and picked over

6 cups vegetable broth

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh spearmint


1 lemon

Savory Spice ingredients in this recipe

  • California Paprika

    This freshly ground California paprika is a darker blend, deep in both flavor and red color. Use to make BBQ rubs, or sprinkle on deviled eggs and ...

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  • Cumin Seeds

    One of the most consumed spices in the world. Cumin is a key seasoning in curry blends and chili powders. Use cumin whole for sausages, soups, pick...

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  • Tomato Powder

    Made from ground, dehydrated tomatoes. Use tomato powder in sauces and stews as both a seasoning and thickening agent. Try adding dry tomato powder...

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  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

    A must-have for every cook. Usually found on every pizzeria table in the country to add some spice to your favorite slice of pizza. Crushed red pep...

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  • Fine Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

    Believed to be of the most ancient of all pink sea salts. It's a highly flavorful cooking salt, and pairs well with most herbs and spices. This min...

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  • Ground Sumac Berries

    Bright, tart, and lemony. Use sumac to enhance the flavor of your recipes similar to salt. Sumac spices are great in marinades, dressings, and seas...

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Directions

Heat oil in a large saucepan and saute onion and carrots over low heat until light golden, about 5 min. Stir in paprika, cumin seeds, tomato powder (or paste), red pepper flakes and salt. Cover and cook for another 5 to 7 min. Add lentils and stir everything together so tomato, spices and lentils are thoroughly combined. Add broth (or water), cover and cook until everything is very tender, about 30 to 40 min. (Or use a pressure cooker and cook until very tender.) Use an immersion blender or stand blender to puree the soup into a smooth consistency. (Skip this step if you prefer a chunky soup.) Crumble the mint leaves into the soup. Stir and simmer for 2 to 3 more min. Remove from heat and stir in half of the sumac, saving the rest for garnish. Ladle soup into bowls and serve with lemon wedges and/or a squeeze of lemon juice, fresh mint, plus a generous sprinkle of sumac.

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