Turkish dinner
Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek)
There is something deeply reassuring about a steaming bowl of mercimek çorbası on a chilly evening. This easy Turkish red lentil soup recipe is the ultimate hug in a bowl: silky, gently spiced with earthy cumin, and brightened with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Everything simmers together in one pot using humble pantry staples before getting blended into golden, velvety perfection. Don't skip that final sizzle of mint and chilli-infused olive oil on top—it takes this budget-friendly supper to absolute restaurant-level comfort.
Jump to recipe
- 30 min · Under 40 min
- Beginner
- Mild spice
- Serves 2
- Hob
Contains: none of the 9 main allergens. Always check ingredient labels.
Why you'll love it
- Ready from scratch in just 30 minutes in a single pot.
- Budget-friendly pantry staples transformed into a velvety, restaurant-quality meal.
- Naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free without any complicated substitutions.
Fits your table
Eating solo
Makes two generous portions, leaving you with an effortless, flavourful lunch ready to reheat tomorrow.
For two
A quick, nourishing supper for two that pairs brilliantly with warm flatbread for dipping.
With kids
Mild, smooth, and naturally sweet from the carrots—simply skip the chilli flakes in their bowl.
Swaps
If you don't have dried mint, try dried oregano or a pinch of sweet paprika in the spiced oil.
Ingredients
- Red lentils, rinsed150 g
- Onion, diced1 whole
- Carrot, diced1 whole
- Tomato paste1 tbsp
- Ground cumin1 tsp
- Vegetable stock800 ml
- Olive oil2 tbsp
- Dried mint and chilli flakes1 tsp
- Lemon, cut into wedges1 whole
Steps
Storage & leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the hob, stirring in a splash of water or stock to loosen the texture as it warms.
Nutrition
This dinner leans low calorie. We don't publish calorie numbers until they're calculated from real data.
Questions
Is this Turkish red lentil soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free; just make sure to use a certified gluten-free vegetable stock.
Can I make this soup ahead of time for meal prep?
It is fantastic for meal prep because the flavours develop and taste even better the next day.
Is this Mercimek soup suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this soup is 100% vegan and dairy-free, made purely with lentils, vegetables, and olive oil.
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Last updated 2026-11-08