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Creamy Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Crispy Pita Croutons

creamy turkish red lentil soup - featured image
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A cozy and easy-to-make creamy Turkish red lentil soup topped with crispy pita croutons, perfect for chilly days and comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 large pita pockets, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (200g) of red lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and diced carrot, cooking another 3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Avoid browning the garlic.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
  5. Pour in the rinsed lentils and 4 cups (1 liter) of broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove from heat and puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon dried mint if using.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss pita cubes with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and smoked paprika if desired. Spread on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with warm pita croutons. Optionally drizzle with olive oil or add extra lemon juice.

Notes

Rinse lentils well to avoid gritty texture. Watch pita croutons closely while toasting to prevent burning. Blend soup to desired texture. Adjust salt at the end due to broth saltiness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread for croutons. For vegan, use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: red lentil soup, Turkish soup, creamy lentil soup, pita croutons, comfort food, easy soup recipe, vegan soup, gluten-free option

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