Comforting Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I genuinely trust and believe will bring value to my readers. Also, some of the content was created with strategic use of AI tools. For more information, please visit the Privacy Policy page. Thank you for supporting my blog and helping me continue to provide valuable content.

A bowl of warmth and peace — this Turkish Red Lentil Soup reminds me of slow afternoons with good friends, cozy kitchens, and the simple comfort of a meal that feels like a hug. Red lentils break down into a creamy, nourishing base, kissed with tomato, spices, and a bright squeeze of lemon. It’s humble food with a heart full of flavor — perfect for cool days and belly-warming meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ❤️ Silky, comforting texture without cream
• 🍋 Bright and flavorful with simple pantry staples
• 🥕 Naturally gluten-free (vegan adaptable)
• 🍞 Perfect for soups, stews, or make-ahead dinners

Quick Reference

• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Cook Time: ~25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 bowls
• Cuisine: Turkish / Mediterranean

Ingredients

Soup

• 1 cup (190 g) dry red lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2–3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced (optional — for creaminess)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander (optional)
• ½–1 tsp Aleppo pepper or paprika (optional for warmth)
• Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
• 2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large lemon, cut into wedges

Garnish (Optional)

• Lemon wedges
• Extra olive oil drizzled
• Croutons or warm crusty bread

Seasonal Swaps

• Spring: Add diced fennel for an aromatic lift
• Summer: Stir in fresh parsley and lemon zest before serving
• Fall/Winter: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper warmth

From My Garden

If you have parsley, dill, or fresh mint in your garden, sprinkle it on top just before serving — it adds fresh brightness to the rich soup. 🌿

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and potato, season with salt, and sauté until softened (about 5–7 min).

2️⃣ Build the Soup

3. Stir in tomato paste, then add red lentils, broth, cumin, Aleppo pepper/paprika, and coriander (if using).
4. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook until lentils are soft — about 20 minutes.

3️⃣ Blend

5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. (Or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.)

4️⃣ Finish & Serve

6. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
7. Serve with a drizzle of extra olive oil and lemon wedges on the side.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

This soup is divine with:

• Warm pita or crusty rustic bread
• Greek salad or simple greens
• Grilled cheese for cozy pairing

Bright fresh lemon really elevates every spoonful!

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container up to 4–5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze portions (without garnishes) up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of broth if needed.

Final Thoughts

May each spoonful fill your heart with warmth and your home with laughter. Comfort in a bowl is a gift — perfect for sharing and savoring together. 🍋💛

Favorites from My Kitchen to Yours

(Affiliate links below — thank you for supporting Southern Soil Sunshine!)
Some of these links are affiliate links. That simply means if you decide to order, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Southern Soil Sunshine — it helps me keep sharing recipes from my kitchen and garden with you. 💛

• Immersion blender for silky soups
• Dutch oven for one-pot meals
• Rustic soup bowls

Related on Southern Soil Sunshine

Related section omitted because live links could not be verified.

Connect & Share

🌿 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/southernsoils/
✨ Subscribe to the newsletter → https://go.southernsoilsunshine.com/yearly-calendar-freebie
💕 Join the Rooted Jesus Girls Facebook Community → https://www.facebook.com/share/g/175a6ZcXJZ/

For more unique internationally-inspired comfort foods to chase away the holiday blues, visit our article, 15 Cozy Garden-Inspired Winter Comfort Foods from Around the World.