Rustic Red Lentil Soup Mahluta Corbasi

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Rustic Red Lentil Soup (Mahluta Çorbası), a hearty Turkish classic that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. This vibrant soup is made with protein-packed red lentils, a touch of white rice for added texture, and a rich blend of aromatic spices like cumin and sweet paprika. Sautéed onions and garlic infuse the broth with depth, while tomato paste adds a subtle tangy kick. Simmered to perfection in chicken or vegetable stock, this one-pot wonder can be partially blended for a creamy yet rustic texture. Finished with a sprinkle of dried mint, a dash of red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this dish is a refreshing yet wholesome addition to your meal rotation. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or a make-ahead lunch that will keep you coming back for more.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 tablespoon white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 4 pieces lemon wedges (for serving)
• 1 teaspoon dried mint (optional, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils and rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the tomato paste, ground cumin, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, to release the flavors of the spices.

Step 6

Stir in the rinsed red lentils, rice, and chicken or vegetable stock. Mix well.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the soup has thickened. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface if needed.

Step 8

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Optional: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture, leaving some of the lentils and rice intact for a rustic feel.

Step 10

Serve the soup hot with a garnish of dried mint and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Step 11

Accompany each bowl with lemon wedges to squeeze over the soup before eating for a burst of brightness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1858.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	531.5

Total Fat 16.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Cholesterol 32.9mg	0%
Sodium 7620.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 72.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.7g	0%
Total Sugars 16.5g
Protein 30.3g	0%

Vitamin D 2.2IU	0%
Calcium 203.4mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 1630.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.7%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 51.6%