Description
A hearty and comforting Turkish lentil soup with bulgur, brightened by lemon and enriched with a fragrant spiced oil. This classic Ezo Gelin Çorbası is warming, tangy, and full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups split red lentils, rinsed
- 7 1/2 cups hot water
- 1/4 cup coarse bulgur, rinsed
- 1/4 cup double concentrated tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons Turkish red pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- 1 lemon, juiced (plus wedges for serving)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for infused oil)
- 2 teaspoons dried mint (for infused oil)
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, stirring often.
- Add rinsed lentils and hot water. Partially cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally and skimming off any foam.
- Stir in bulgur, tomato paste, red pepper paste, and dried mint. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes until bulgur is tender, adding more water if needed.
- Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
- In a small pan, heat olive oil for the infused topping. Add dried mint and Aleppo pepper, gently heating for 30–40 seconds while stirring.
- Pour the infused oil into the stew and mix well.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Add extra water for a thinner consistency if desired.
- Use red pepper flakes if Aleppo pepper is unavailable.
- This soup thickens as it sits; add water when reheating.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
