Green Lentil Soup with Carrots and Pasta-Yeşil Mercimek Çorbası

We are only weeks away from Christmas. It is getting cooler even in Southern California now. A few days of light rain and here I am thinking about what soup to make for dinner. Turkish version of green lentil soup is similar to the American and Italian versions, yet a little different. Turkish version has dried mint in it and no celery. One strong flavor in place of the other. Definitely a comfort food. Nothing fancy, just healthy and delicious. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils
• 5 cups boiling water
• 1 small to medium carrots, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup (medium) onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 table spoons tomato paste
• 2 cloves of garlic, pressed
• 1/3 cup mini shell or any small pasta like orzo,, dilalini, mini bows, etc.
• 1 table spoon dried mint
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon crushed chili pepper (optional)
• 2 table spoons lemon juice (optional)
• Sprigs of parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Rinse lentils, place them in pot with 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower heat and let it simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, drain lentils, saving the liquid in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in a pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until onions are translucent.
3. Add carrots and tomato paste, stir and sauté for a couple of more minutes.
4. Add pasta, mint, and red pepper (optional), stir well.
5. Add the liquid you boiled lentils in to the soup pot. Stir, add salt and pepper to your taste. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
6. Reduce heat, let it simmer until carrots and pasta are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Add lentils, let it simmer for 3 more minutes.
8. Add lemon juice (optional) and adjust salt if necessary.
9. Transfer to serving bowls. Sprinkle with parsley (optional).
10. Serve hot.

AFİYET OLSUN!    BON APPETIT!

Ingredients

Soaked lentils cook faster

Drain cooked lentils

Saute onions and garlic

Add carrots and tomato paste

Add pasta mint and red pepper

Add water you boiled lentils in

Green Lentil Soup