Turkish bride soup "Ezogelin çorba" recipe

Ezogelin Soup is one of Türkiye's most beloved traditional soups, named after the legendary Ezo bride, a woman renowned for her beauty, strength, and resilience. Ezo's story is a popular tale of overcoming hardships, and the soup that bears her name is just as rich and comforting as her legend.

INGREDIENTS

• 100 ml red lentils

• 1.5 tbsp rice (or 1 tbsp bulgur - choose either rice or bulgur)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 tsp tomato paste

• 0.5 tsp red pepper paste

• 0.5 tbsp olive oil

• 4–4.5 cups hot water

• 1 tsp dried mint

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp flour

  
  

For the garnish:

• Dried mint flakes

• Dried mint in olive oil mixed with tomato paste

INSTRUCTIONS

• Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Chop and sauté the onion until softened.

• Add the paste and spices: Add olive oil, flour, tomato paste, red pepper paste, cumin, dried mint, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine into a paste.

• Add water: Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring continuously to keep it smooth.

• Add lentils, rice/bulgur: Stir in the red lentils and rice (or bulgur), then add the remaining water and sautéed onions. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the lentils and rice are soft.

• Prepare the garnish: In a small pan, heat olive oil, butter, dried mint, tomato paste, and a splash of water. Stir to thin out the paste and heat through.

• Serve: Mix the garnish into the soup and serve hot. Enjoy!