Mercimek çorbası – Turkish red lentil soup

Smooth and comforting Turkish red lentil soup served with a drizzle of paprika butter and a squeeze of lemon. A staple of Turkish cuisine.

• 300 g red lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp turmeric
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter for paprika butter
• 1 tsp paprika for the butter
• Lemon wedges
• Salt

Method

1. 1
   Fry onion and carrots in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and spices.
2. 2
   Add lentils and stock. Simmer for 25 minutes until the lentils are completely soft.
3. 3
   Blend the soup smooth. Season with salt.
4. 4
   Make paprika butter: melt butter with paprika until fragrant.
5. 5
   Serve the soup with a drizzle of paprika butter.
6. 6
   Add a squeeze of lemon and serve with crusty bread.