Yeşil Mercimek Çorbası – Turkish Green Lentil Soup

If you're trying to eat more protein and fiber, Turkish grandmothers solved that problem YEARS ago. 😂

Meet Yeşil Mercimek Çorbası, a hearty Turkish green lentil soup that's packed with plant-based protein, fiber and SO much flavour! Made with simple ingredients like green lentils, onions, tomato paste and vermicelli, this soup is proof that you don't need fancy ingredients to make something delicious.

Ingredients

• 80 g dried green lentils

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 40 g vermicelli pasta (tel şehriye)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp Turkish chili flakes (pul biber)

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• 800 ml vegetable stock

• 1–2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

2. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring continuously to bring out its flavour.

3. Rinse the green lentils thoroughly under cold water, then add them to the pot. Stir everything together so the lentils are coated in the tomato and onion mixture.

4. Season with paprika, black pepper, Turkish chili flakes and salt. Give everything a good stir.

5. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20–30 minutes, or until the lentils are almost tender.

6. Add the vermicelli pasta and continue cooking for another 5–8 minutes, until the pasta and lentils are fully cooked. Add a splash of water or stock if the soup becomes too thick.

7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm!

Afiyet olsun! 🇹🇷🧡