RED LENTIL SOUP FROM TURKEY (MERCIMEK CORBASI)

RED LENTIL IN TURKISH CUISINE

Turkish cuisine uses red lentils in many recipes because of its soft texture and versatility. Dishes such as Turkish vegan lentil meatballs are common in Turkey and you enjoy them on different occasions. Red lentils cook quickly and unlike brown and green lentils that keep their shape after cooking, red lentils break down easily and therefore are perfect for smooth and creamy soup recipes. They also have a lot of nutritional benefits and they're also so easy to work with. I suggest you always keep some red lentils in your pantry because they make a great quick weeknight dinner.

ABOUT THIS RECIPE

Turkish red lentil soup, known as mercimek corbasi is one of the most popular soups in Turkish cuisine. It's a simple dish made with a few ingredients and has a fresh taste thanks to lemon. The seasoning for this soup is cumin and Aleppo pepper. Turkish restaurants serve mercimek corbasi as a popular appetizer or a light evening meal. Many Turkish people name mercimek corbasi their favorite soup alongside yogurt soup (yayla corbasi). Turkish soups are usually more watery and less dense compared to other soups therefore they're perfect as appetizers or light meals. Like many other Mediterranean recipes, mercimek corbasi is also a vegan recipe that's also gluten free. It's a last minute weeknight dinner that you can make in no time because the ingredients are always ready and at hand. A bowl of soup topped with pepper and parsley.

THE BENEFITS OF RED LENTILS

Red lentils, like other types of lentils, are very nutritious. They are packed with B vitamins and potassium. In addition to being gluten free, fat free and low calorie, red lentils are also a great source of protein for vegetarians and vegans and they are also high in fiber. Lentils are very easy to cook and they're usually ready within 20 to 30 minutes. Did you know? Even though lentils are mostly used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African cuisines, these days the biggest producer of lentils is Canada. Are you ready to taste the original mercimek from the Middle east? Head to Sahan Mezopotamian Street Food to get this amazing and flavorful dish. Visit Us at Sahan Mezopotamian Street Food Instagram: sahan.mezopotamian (02) 964 991 67 35-39 Auburn Road, AUBURN, NSW 2144, Australia