Turkish Lentil Soup (Corba)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse and Drain Lentils

   3 min

   Thoroughly rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water to remove any dust or debris. After rinsing, drain them well and set aside for later use.

2. 2

   Sauté Onions and Carrots

   5 min

   In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 large onion chopped finely along with a pinch of sea salt, sautéing for approximately 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Next, incorporate 1 large carrot diced into small pieces and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. 3

   Add Tomato Puree and Spices

   2 min

   Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato puree and let it cook for around 1 minute, allowing the puree to deepen in flavor. Quickly follow with 2 teaspoons of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of mint, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir these spices for about 10 seconds to release their aromas and activate their flavors.

4. 4

   Combine Ingredients and Boil

   5 min

   Into the pot, add the rinsed lentils, 4 cups of vegetable stock, 1 cup of water, and an additional pinch of sea salt. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil, watching for bubbles to form on the surface.

5. 5

   Simmer Soup

   18 min

   Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot halfway with a lid and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes. The lentils should become tender, and the carrots should be fully cooked, providing a nice texture.

6. 6

   Blend to Desired Consistency

   10 min

   Using a blender or an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky. After blending, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if necessary to enhance the flavors.

7. 7

   Serve with Accompaniments

   5 min

   Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it with crushed crackers, torn pieces of bread, or any thickening agent of your choice. This adds a delightful texture and makes the dish even more satisfying.