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Creamy Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Smoky Paprika Butter Drizzle

Creamy Turkish red lentil soup - featured image
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A cozy and creamy Turkish red lentil soup featuring a smoky paprika butter drizzle that adds a rich, flavorful twist. Ready in under 40 minutes, this soup is comforting, simple, and perfect for any day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed well
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth, preferably low sodium
  • 2 cups (475 ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: finely chop the onion, dice the carrot, and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, being careful not to brown it.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the spices.
  4. Add the rinsed red lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 2 cups water to the pot. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over high heat.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and breaking down. Add more water or broth if too thick.
  6. Remove from heat and puree the soup using an immersion blender until creamy and smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a regular blender carefully.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice if desired.
  8. In a small skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over low heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder and cook for 1 minute without browning the butter. Remove from heat.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and drizzle the smoky paprika butter on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or sumac if desired.

Notes

Rinse lentils thoroughly to avoid gritty texture. Do not brown garlic to prevent bitterness. Toast spices with tomato paste to enhance flavor. Add paprika butter drizzle just before serving for best smoky flavor. For vegan option, replace butter with olive oil infused with smoked paprika. Soup thickens when cooled; reheat with splash of broth or water to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: red lentil soup, Turkish soup, creamy lentil soup, smoky paprika, paprika butter drizzle, easy soup recipe, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, gluten-free soup

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/creamy-turkish-red-lentil-soup-recipe-with-smoky-paprika-butter-drizzle-easy-and-delicious/