How to Make Turkish Dinner Soups from Scratch

Turkish cuisine is renowned for its delightful flavors, and dinner soups play a pivotal role in many meals. These hearty soups are often served as a warm start to a meal, offering a comforting and nutritious option. Here’s a guide on how to make traditional Turkish dinner soups from scratch, featuring popular recipes that showcase authentic flavors.

1. Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

This is one of the most cherished soups in Turkish homes. It is simple yet packed with flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 potato, diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent.
  2. Add the carrot, potato, and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Rinse the lentils under cold water, then add them to the pot along with the broth.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.
  5. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
  6. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

2. Yoghurt Soup (Yayla Çorbası)

This refreshing soup offers a unique blend of yogurt and rice, often enjoyed cold or warm.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup rice
  • 6 cups water or broth
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons mint (dried or fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, combine water and rice. Bring to a boil and cook until the rice is tender.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt and egg yolk. Gradually add a ladle of hot broth into the yogurt mixture, stirring constantly.
  3. Slowly pour the yogurt mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
  4. Add salt and mint, and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
  5. In a pan, melt butter and pour it over the soup to enhance the flavor.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with additional mint if desired.

3. Chickpea Soup (Nohut Çorbası)

Hearty and full of protein, this chickpea soup is perfect for a filling dinner option.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 4-6 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Drain the soaked chickpeas and place them in a pot with fresh water. Boil until tender, about 1 hour.
  2. In another pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions until golden brown.
  3. Add tomatoes, bell pepper, and paprika to the onions and continue cooking for 5 minutes.
  4. Drain the cooked chickpeas and add them to the vegetable mixture, then pour in the broth.
  5. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld.