Turkish Lentil Soup

Warm, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients, Turkish Lentil Soup is a timeless classic that combines simple pantry staples with bold Mediterranean flavors. Made with red lentils, onions, carrots, and potatoes, this velvety soup is infused with aromatic cumin and paprika, creating a deeply satisfying and subtly spiced dish. A touch of tomato paste lends richness, while fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness to every bowl. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-make soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and watch this healthy, protein-packed recipe become a new family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 medium onion
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 medium potato
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 6 cups water
• 1 large lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

Step 2

Peel and dice the onion, carrot, and potato into small cubes for even cooking.

Step 3

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, and paprika, and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced carrot and potato to the pot, followed by the rinsed lentils. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 6

Pour in the 6 cups of water and season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes or until the vegetables and lentils are tender.

Step 8

Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.

Step 9

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more water and warm through.

Step 10

Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness. Optionally, garnish with extra paprika or a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2180 grams (2180.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	806

Total Fat 36.50g	47%
Saturated Fat 6.40g	32%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g
Cholesterol 5mg	2%
Sodium 2712mg	118%
Total Carbohydrate 102.80g	37%
Dietary Fiber 25.70g	92%
Total Sugars 20.00g
Protein 23.90g	48%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 246mg	19%
Iron 10mg	57%
Potassium 2032mg	43%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.3%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 49.2%