How to Make Turkish Cabbage and Bean Soup

Turkish cabbage and bean soup, known as "Lahana Çorbası," is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for any time of the year. This traditional recipe combines tender cabbage, nutritious beans, and a medley of spices to create a comforting meal that warms both the body and soul. Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious Turkish cabbage and bean soup.

Ingredients

To prepare this savory soup, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium carrot, diced
1 small head of cabbage, chopped
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (or 1 cup cooked beans)
6 cups vegetable broth or water
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Turkish cabbage and bean soup:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Add Carrots and Cabbage

Next, add the diced carrots and chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir them into the onion and garlic mixture, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt.

Step 3: Incorporate the Beans and Spices

Once the vegetables are tender, add in the rinsed beans, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth or water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

After the soup has simmered, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. The lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the entire dish.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Turkish cabbage and bean soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if you like. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Variation

You can easily customize this soup to suit your taste:

For a heartier version, add diced potatoes or other vegetables.
Consider using different beans like kidney or chickpeas for added flavor and texture.
For a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Making Turkish cabbage and bean soup is a rewarding and straightforward process. Enjoy this nutritious dish as a comforting lunch, dinner, or meal prep option. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup will surely become a favorite in your household.