Make Mercimek Çorbası (Turkish Lentil Soup)
Recipe Name: Mercimek Çorbası (Turkish Lentil Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 potato, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/4 cup vermicelli pasta
- 6 cups water or vegetable broth
- Salt, pepper, cumin, and red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the diced potato, carrot, zucchini, green pepper, and tomato to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Stir in the red lentils and tomato paste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to combine.
5. Pour in the water or vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
6. Add the vermicelli pasta to the pot and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
7. Season the soup with salt, pepper, cumin, and red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
8. Serve the Mercimek Çorbası hot with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Enjoy!