Daughter-in-law’s Spicy Lentil and Bulgur Soup (with quinoa) – Ezo Gelin Corbasi

Posted by on Nov 7, 2011 in Soups, Uncategorized | 2 comments

Soups have a special place in Turkish cuisine and the meals mostly start with a soup. In Anatolia, it is very common to have soup to start the day, especially in winter. This spicy lentil soup is one of my favorites; rich in fiber and protein, very delicious and easy to make. At Waitrose supermarket the other day, I came across with bulgur wheat mixed with red and white quinoa. Quinoa is a grain like crop from South America, rich in protein, iron and potassium; another super food like the bulgur and lentils. I haven’t tried this nutty,...

read more

Chicken and Vegetables Soup

Posted by on Feb 9, 2011 in Soups, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Soups have a special place in Turkish cuisine and meals traditionally would start with a soup. In rural parts of Turkey, it is common to have soup for a hearty breakfast. This soup is a great way to finish up the left over chicken from the roast, and use the chicken stock you got while making the roast chicken (please see the Roast Chicken recipe). You can add any vegetable you have at that time; carrots, onions, garlic, zucchini, tomatoes, celery, all work well. I also like to add small pasta like orzo or conchigliette, and you get a...

read more

Hearty Red Lentil Soup – Kirmizi Mercimek Corbasi

Posted by on Nov 29, 2010 in Soups, Uncategorized | 6 comments

Because of their rich protein content, lentils have been a valuable food source in Asia Minor since Neolithic times. This soup is most probably Turkey’s most popular soup, enjoyed not only for lunch and dinner but also for a hearty breakfast in Anatolia. I like to add carrots and potatoes to this easy, delicious and nutritious soup. The lovely colours of red lentils, carrots and potatoes bring an array of sunshine to any cold winter day! The addition of cumin and red pepper flakes add a wonderful, energising flavour, as we do in Southern...

read more

Mother’s Turkish Yoghurt and Meatballs Soup– Annemin Kofteli Yogurtlu Corbasi

Posted by on Nov 8, 2010 in Soups, Uncategorized | 0 comments

This is lovely and comforting soup that appears a lot on our table. You can easily have it as a substantial lunch or for a light dinner on cold winter days. Children also love it – especially the little meatballs. Yoghurt gives a creamy texture and makes it a healthy choice too. Yoghurt features a lot in Turkish cooking, thanks to our Nomadic past. It is rich in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin B and carries good bacteria that supports the immune system and helps indigestion; just what we need with cold winter days coming up.This soup is...

read more

Tomato and Vegetable Soup with Orzo – Sebzeli Seriye Corbasi

Posted by on Oct 20, 2010 in Soups, Uncategorized | 0 comments

This comforting, healthy vegetable soup gets ready in minutes and it is one of my favourites. Soup is an important part of Turkish cuisine and it is served as the first course at meals. In rural parts of Turkey, it is also common to have soup for a substantial breakfast. As a variety, you can add croutons and some grated cheese over this soup when serving. I also like to add some coarsely sliced avocado in mine. With a squeeze of lemon over the top and little red pepper flakes, it does warm your heart and soul, and makes a wonderful lunch or...

read more

Hearty and Spicy Red Lentil Soup – Ezo Gelin Corba

Posted by on Sep 7, 2010 in Soups, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Soups have a special place in Turkish cuisine and the meals mostly start with them. In Anatolia, it is very common to have soup to start the day, especially in winter. This spicy lentil soup is one of my favorites; rich in fiber and protein, very delicious and easy to make. It is also a great example of how we add flavor to our dishes thru spices. Named after the bride “Ezo” who managed to impress her in-laws with this heartwarming soup, this soup is so delicious and simple to make that you will want to make it all the time! It...

read more