The Best Turkish Vegetable-Only Soup Recipes

Turkish cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and variety, particularly when it comes to soups. Among them, vegetable-only soups shine for their health benefits and satisfying tastes. Here are some of the best Turkish vegetable-only soup recipes that you can easily prepare at home.

1. Mercimek Çorbası (Lentil Soup)

Mercimek Çorbası is a staple in Turkish households. Made primarily from red lentils, this soup is nutritious and flavorful.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the onions until translucent.
  2. Add the carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
  3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
  5. Blend the soup until smooth and serve with lemon wedges.

2. Zeytinyağlı Enginar (Artichokes in Olive Oil)

This is a delightful soup-like dish that combines artichokes with fresh vegetables, perfect for light meals.

Ingredients:

  • 500g artichoke hearts, cleaned
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 potato, diced
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions until soft.
  2. Add carrots, potatoes, and artichokes; stir for a few minutes.
  3. Add enough water to cover the vegetables, then add peas, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer for about 30 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
  5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

3. Tarator (Yogurt and Cucumber Soup)

Tarator is a refreshing cold soup that’s perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cucumber, grated
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine grated cucumber, garlic, yogurt, olive oil, and salt.
  2. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
  4. Garnish with fresh dill and serve cold.

4. Domates Çorbası (Tomato Soup)

This classic Turkish tomato soup is both comforting and revitalizing.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt, pepper, and sugar to taste
  • Basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions until soft.
  2. Add the carrot and cook for another 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomatoes and cook