Pastırmalı Yeşil Mercimek Çorbası is a hearty and flavorful green lentil soup enhanced by the rich, smoky taste of pastırma. This comforting Turkish dish is perfect for colder days or as a nutritious dinner option. The combination of tender lentils and savory pastırma creates a delicious and satisfying soup that’s sure to become a favorite.
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
- 100g (3.5 oz) pastırma, sliced and cut into small pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or pul biber (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the green lentils under cold water and set them aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and diced carrot, and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, and paprika (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and pour in the water or chicken broth. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Cook the Pastırma: In a small skillet, sauté the pastırma pieces for 1-2 minutes until they become slightly crispy. Set aside.
- Finish the Soup: Once the lentils are fully cooked, add the sautéed pastırma to the soup. Stir and simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the soup, and enjoy with warm crusty bread.
Things to Consider
- Lentil Cooking Time: Green lentils typically take 30-40 minutes to cook. If you’re short on time, you can use canned lentils, but reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- Broth Options: Chicken or vegetable broth enhances the flavor of the soup, but you can also use water for a lighter version.
- Pastırma Flavor: For a milder taste, you can remove the çemen (spice coating) from the pastırma, but leaving it on provides a more authentic, bold flavor.
Tips
- Lemon for Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the pastırma.
- Make it a Meal: Serve this hearty soup with a side of pide or simit bread, and perhaps a simple salad, for a complete meal.
- Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra water or broth if it thickens too much.
Pastırmalı Yeşil Mercimek Çorbası is a warm and comforting dish that combines the earthy taste of green lentils with the smoky richness of pastırma. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is both nourishing and flavorful. Afiyet olsun!