Description
Ezogelin Corbası is a legendary Turkish comfort food that balances earthy red lentils with the satisfying texture of rice and bulgur. Infused with aromatic tomato and pepper pastes, this rustic, fiber-packed soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It is a simple, budget-friendly meal that transforms humble pantry staples into a fragrant, heartwarming dish that has been passed down through generations. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this soup is as wholesome as it is delicious, offering a true taste of Turkish culinary heritage in every spoonful.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced small
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 medium tomato, diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon mild Turkish pepper paste (tatli biber salcasi)
1 2/3 cups red lentils, rinsed well
1/4 cup rice, rinsed
1/4 cup bulgur, rinsed
9 cups vegetable broth or water
2 tablespoons dried mint
Salt to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add the tomato and tomato paste and pepper paste, stirring for 2 minutes to cook the rawness out of the pastes.
Add the rinsed red lentils, rice, bulgur, and vegetable broth to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have broken down and grains are tender.
Stir in the dried mint and season with salt to taste.
Serve hot with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Notes
If the soup becomes too thick while simmering, add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. You can also finish the soup with a pat of butter or a drizzle of chili-infused oil for added richness. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg