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Ezogelin Corbasi (Spiced Lentil Bulgur Soup)

A hearty Turkish red lentil and bulgur soup fragrant with cumin, paprika, and dried mint, finished with a sizzling butter and red pepper drizzle. Thick, warming, and beloved across Turkey as a bride's soup.

50 minEasyServes 4240 cal/serving

TurkishSoupStovetopVeganMediterraneanHigh FiberDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 1/4 cup fine bulgur wheat
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp dried mint
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan)
  • 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.

  3. 3

    Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp sweet paprika, and half of the 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.

  4. 4

    Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 1/4 cup fine bulgur wheat, and 6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are completely soft.

  5. 5

    Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot, leaving some texture, or blend half the soup and return it. Stir in 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp dried mint. Simmer 5 more minutes. Adjust thickness with water if needed.

  6. 6

    In a small skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan) over medium heat. Add the remaining Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes and swirl for 30 seconds until the butter turns red and fragrant.

  7. 7

    Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle each bowl with the spiced butter and a squeeze of juiced lemon. Serve immediately.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Ezogelin Corbasi (Spiced Lentil Bulgur Soup)?

As written, 50 minutes: 15 of prep and 35 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (25 minutes): "Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are completely soft."

Do I need any special equipment for Ezogelin Corbasi (Spiced Lentil Bulgur Soup)?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses an immersion blender (step 5) and a blender (step 5). If you do not have one, a countertop blender, filled halfway with the lid vented, replaces the immersion blender.

Is there a substitute for Aleppo pepper in Ezogelin Corbasi (Spiced Lentil Bulgur Soup)?

The entry for Ezogelin Corbasi (Spiced Lentil Bulgur Soup) calls for 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. In its place: Use sweet paprika with a small pinch of cayenne, about four parts to one.

Is Ezogelin Corbasi (Spiced Lentil Bulgur Soup) spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Ezogelin Corbasi (Spiced Lentil Bulgur Soup) comes from 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the red pepper; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Ezogelin Corbasi (Spiced Lentil Bulgur Soup) gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Ezogelin Corbasi (Spiced Lentil Bulgur Soup) is 1/4 cup fine bulgur wheat. Swap the grain for cooked rice or quinoa (the chew will differ). Everything else proceeds as written.

How many calories are in Ezogelin Corbasi (Spiced Lentil Bulgur Soup)?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 240 calories, with 12 g protein, 32 g carbohydrate and 5 g fat, plus 6 g fiber and 480 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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