THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Main Course
Vegan Version of Turkish Red Lentil Soup
This cozy and flavorful soup is perfect for a healthy, plant-based meal that warms you from the inside out. Packed with red lentils and vibrant spices, it’s an easy way to enjoy a classic Turkish favorite without any animal products.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Vegan Version of Turkish Red Lentil Soup
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
FROM OUR VIDEO COLLECTION
Pasta in a Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Something delicious to watch next.
01
Step 1
Start by heating some olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Toss in the onions along with a teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring now and then, until the onions soften up—this usually takes about 8 minutes. Then add the thyme sprigs, garlic, cumin, and bay leaves, cooking everything together for another minute to let the flavors mingle.
02
Step 2
Next, pour in the vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, red lentils, tomato paste, oregano, the rest of the salt, and some freshly ground pepper. Give it a good stir, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer gently. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until the lentils are really tender and starting to break down, which should take around 30 to 45 minutes.
03
Step 3
Once the lentils are soft, fish out the thyme and bay leaves and let the soup cool down for about 10 minutes so it’s not too hot to handle. Then, scoop about 4 cups of the soup into a blender and puree until smooth. Pour this back into the pot and stir in some water to get your desired consistency.
04
Step 4
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh touch. Enjoy!
Why you’ll love it
This soup is warm, comforting, and full of flavor. It is naturally rich in protein and fiber thanks to the red lentils. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.
How to serve
Serve the soup hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the soup. This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months.
