Turkish Lentil Soup with Baby Spinach
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Author Notes: This is a traditional Turkish Lentil Soup. I had this soup when I visited the mystical ancient city called Constantinople also known as Istanbul. I rememeber it was a chilly evening in October, we were walking around in the historic neighborhood of Sultan Ahmet. We walked into a very cozy little restuarant & we insisted if we could sit on the rooftop section of the restaurant with a gorgeous view of the Blue Mosque in sight! Everytime I make this soup, it takes me back to Istanbul! - onetribegourmet
Serves 4-6
- 5oz packets Organic Spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped Onions
- 1 teaspoon minced Garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped Carrots
- 1/4 cup Red Lentils
- 2 tablespoons Bulgur Wheat
- 4-6 cups Organic Chicken or Vegetable Stock
- 2 teaspoons Tomato Paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Sumac
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 sprig Fresh Italian Parsley
- Sauté chopped onions & minced garlic in extra virgin olive oil. Add chopped carrots; let the carrot cook for few minutes. Add red lentils & bulgur wheat & sauté some more. Add the chicken stock. Add tomato paste & stir well. Add sumac, paprika, salt & pepper. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until lentils & the bulgur wheat are tender. Serve hot with freshly squeezed lemon juice & chopped fresh parsley!
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Spinach Recipe
Tags: dinner for two, Healthy, hearty, Turkish, Vegetarian, winter
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7 months ago AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
This turned out great, even without the paprika. I had some thyme on hand, so I threw some in. I didn't have any wheat bulgur, but used whole wheat couscous, which worked well. The soup tasted better the next day, as soups and stews always do, and today (two days later) I stirred a couple big spoonfuls of my first batch of homemade sauerkraut of the season into what was left. Not very Turkish, I admit, but wow, it was delicious. ;o)
about 1 year ago Synky
Amazing soup!!! Everyone wanted more.....even the 4 year old! I really liked the combination of everything, also gave me a reason to find and try sumac (actually discovered a Turkish/ Azerbajani grocery store). I think next time I would double the lentils out of personal fondness for them. But yes, great soup, even better the next day!
about 2 years ago SerenaH
Easy to make and a big hit with teenagers and adults. Served it with cornbread.
i didn't have any Bulghar, so I substituted cous-cous and I also cut up and added chicken from a Whole Foods cooked chicken. Thank-you
about 2 years ago linklau
Delicious! I had everything in my pantry to make this soup except the sumac. I substituted a bit of Penzey's Turkish Seasoning, which I received as a sample. It has sumac in it. My husband declared this soup to be "soothing". I think I'll order some sumac and try this again. It is hearty and filling, perfect thing to make a big batch of at the start of a busy week.
over 2 years ago crenkat
You've traveled so much and post so many interesting Middle Eastern/Turkish recipes, I wondered if you knew how to make Turkish Delight (lokum)? I'm looking for centerpiece and recipe ideas for a luncheon spotlighting Turkey.
over 2 years ago kamelia
Very hearty and filling! I loved the addition of lemon and parsley at the end, it really made the soup. Even better the second day...!
over 2 years ago onetribegourmet
Thanks Kamelia! I love this soup too....especially the next day! :)
about 3 years ago AlexandraC
At which point do you add the spinach?
about 3 years ago onetribegourmet
Alexandra..this is embarassing...I forgot to post when to add the spinach. :-0 I added the spinach after I saute'd the carrots for few minutes. At that point you can add the chopped baby spinach & saute it for a minute. I hope that helps. :)
about 3 years ago dymnyno
This looks and sounds delicious!! I am going to try it soon. I think that Istanbul is one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the world. The opulence of the Ottoman Empire and the starkness of today's Muslims is so striking !
about 3 years ago onetribegourmet
Thank you! Please let me know how the soup turns out for you! :)
about 3 years ago onetribegourmet
Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes bulgur wheat makes this soup more substatial, alomost like a one-dish meal.
about 3 years ago testkitchenette
I love lentil soup and this looks nothing short of amazing!
about 3 years ago onetribegourmet
Thank you so much for your kind words!
about 3 years ago HaikuTofu
This looks absolutely gorgeous. I love lentils- they are always tastier than I expect. The bulgar wheat must add a nice chew to this soup as well.
about 3 years ago onetribegourmet
Thank you so much!