This Easy Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe Is My Go-To Healthy Comfort Food
There are some recipes you cook once and enjoy, and then there are recipes that quietly become part of your life. For me, Mercimek Çorbası—traditional Turkish red lentil soup—falls into the second category. While writing this article, I realized how often I return to this soup every winter. It’s the kind of cozy comfort food that doesn’t just warm your body, but also gives you peace of mind because it’s nourishing, healthy, and incredibly easy to make.
As a chef and food writer, I’ve tested countless soups, stews, and winter meals. Yet this authentic, homemade recipe continues to be my go-to dinner when I want something high protein, vegetarian, and naturally vegan. In this post, I’m sharing not only the recipe, but also why this soup works so well, how to make it perfectly every time, and how you can adapt it to your kitchen—whether you cook on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.
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What Is Mercimek Çorbası?
Mercimek Çorbası is a traditional and deeply loved Mediterranean soup served across Turkey. It’s made primarily with red lentils, onions, olive oil, and spices, then finished with a fragrant mint-infused oil. You’ll find it in homes, restaurants, and even as a starter at celebratory meals.
What makes this dish special is its simplicity. It’s authentic, humble, and built from pantry staples. Despite that, it delivers big flavor and nutrition, making it one of the most popular Turkish red lentil soup recipes searched online—especially during colder months.
Why This Is My Favorite Easy Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe
While testing this article, I cooked this soup three times in one week. Not because I had to—but because I wanted to. This recipe checks every box:
- Easy and beginner-friendly
- Perfect for cozy winter meals
- Comforting yet healthy
- Naturally vegan and vegetarian
- High in plant-based protein
If you’re someone who craves warm, filling food but doesn’t want heavy cream-based soups, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Exact Ingredients & Measurements
One thing I’m very intentional about as a food writer is accuracy. Below are the exact measurements I personally use when making this soup at home.
- 1 cup (200 g) dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 150 g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth or water
For the Mint Oil (Essential for Authentic Flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
Why This Soup Is Healthy Comfort Food
This soup is a perfect example of how comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy or unhealthy. Red lentils are packed with plant-based protein, making this a naturally high protein winter meal. They’re also rich in fiber, iron, and folate.
Because this recipe is dairy-free and gluten-free, it works beautifully for anyone following a clean eating or Mediterranean-style diet. I often recommend this soup to friends looking for cozy but light dinner ideas.
How to Make Easy Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Stovetop)
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Add rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
The texture should be creamy, thick, and comforting—perfect for winter nights.
Instant Pot Method (Busy-Weeknight Friendly)
When I’m short on time, the Instant Pot version saves the day:
- Sauté onions using the “Sauté” function.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Pressure cook on High for 10 minutes.
- Natural release for 5 minutes, then blend.
The result is just as authentic and cozy.
Kitchen Tools I Use for Perfect Results
1. Immersion Hand Blender
This tool makes achieving that silky-smooth soup texture effortless. I use it directly in the pot, which saves time and cleanup.
Why I recommend it: Perfect blending without transferring hot soup.
Check it on Amazon and upgrade your soup game today.
2. Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
If you love easy, hands-off cooking, this is a must-have. It turns traditional recipes into weeknight-friendly meals.
Why I recommend it: Consistent results and time-saving convenience.
Find it on Amazon and make cozy dinners effortless.
3. High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A good olive oil is essential for authentic Mediterranean flavor, especially for the mint oil topping.
Why I recommend it: Better aroma, taste, and health benefits.
Explore premium olive oils on Amazon and taste the difference.
How to Serve Mercimek Çorbası Like a Turkish Chef
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small pan, add dried mint and chili flakes, and gently warm for 30 seconds. Pour over the soup just before serving. Finish with fresh lemon wedges.
This final step transforms the soup into something truly traditional and restaurant-worthy.
Variations & Customizations
- Make it extra spicy with more chili flakes
- Add carrots (100 g) for sweetness
- Thicken it further for stew-like texture
- Perfect for meal prep and freezing
Why This Is the Ultimate Cozy Winter Dinner
This soup is everything I want in winter: warm, nourishing, simple, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this recipe feels like home.
Final Thoughts
Writing this article reminded me why I fell in love with food writing in the first place. Recipes like this easy Turkish red lentil soup are timeless. They don’t rely on trends—they rely on comfort, flavor, and care.
If you’re searching for an authentic, healthy, cozy, and deeply comforting vegan dinner, this Mercimek Çorbası deserves a place in your kitchen.
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