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Tag Archives | Traditional Turkish soups

Balkabaklı Kestaneli Çorba; Pumpkin and Chestnut Soup

It is the soup season, as we are fully in the autumn / fall. It is also the pumpkin season; this Balkabaklı Kestaneli Çorba, Pumpkin and Chestnut Soup, from my new book, SEBZE, Vegetarian recipes from my Turkish Kitchen, is a delicious and easy celebration of autumnal flavours.

Pumpkin (balkabağı) is enjoyed in savoury and sweet dishes in Türkiye. While it can be combined with yoghurt or with pomegranate molasses in the south for savoury meals (for example, Adesiye, at page 143, in SEBZE cookery book), it is cooked with chestnuts in the north. The city of Zonguldak in the Black Sea region grows some of the finest chestnuts and this soup is a Zonguldak specialty. The sweetness of the pumpkin and onions works beautifully with the earthy chestnuts. Locals would also add the region’s creamy manda sütü, water buffalo’s milk, to the soup – full-fat milk works well as a substitute although you can use single (light) cream for a creamier taste. You can use butternut squash instead of pumpkin, too.

Serve this delicious soup with Corn Bread,  Mısır Ekmeği (page 50 in SEBZE). It is the gift giving season upon us; copies of SEBZE is available worldwide at this link and it can make a lovely foodie present.

I hope you enjoy this delicious soup, Afiyet Olsun,

Ozlem

Balkabaklı Kestaneli Çorba; Pumpkin and Chestnut Soup
 
Pumpkin (balkabağı) is enjoyed in savoury and sweet dishes in Türkiye. While it can be combined with yoghurt or with pomegranate molasses in the south for savoury meals (for example, Adesiye, at page 143, in SEBZE cookery book), it is cooked with chestnuts in the north. The city of Zonguldak in the Black Sea region grows some of the finest chestnuts and this soup is a Zonguldak specialty. The sweetness of the pumpkin and onions works beautifully with the earthy chestnuts. Locals would also add the region’s creamy manda sütü, water buffalo’s milk, to the soup – full-fat milk works well as a substitute although you can use single (light) cream for a creamier taste. You can use butternut squash instead of pumpkin, too.
Author:
Recipe type: Vegetarian Soup
Cuisine: Turkish Cuisine
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 825 g (1 lb 13 oz) deseeded and peeled pumpkin, sliced into 1 cm (½ in) chunks
  • 255 g (9 oz) peeled, cooked chestnuts, quartered
  • 510 ml (18 fl oz/generous 2 cups) vegetable stock
  • 510 ml (18 fl oz/generous 2 cups) water
  • 140 ml (5 fl oz/scant ⅔ cup) full-fat milk (or a plant-based alternative)
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • handful of fresh parsley, chopped, to serve
  • For the sautéed chestnuts
  • 80 g (3 oz) peeled, cooked chestnuts, diced into small bites
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy saucepan over a medium heat, add the onions and sauté for 10 minutes until softened. Stir in the pumpkin pieces and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add the chestnuts, pour in the vegetable stock and water, then season with salt and pepper, and combine well. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 12–15 minutes until the pumpkin is cooked.
  2. Purée the soup in a blender and pour back into the pan, add the milk and bring back to the boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Seasoning is important – check and add more salt and pepper to your taste.
  3. For the sautéed chestnuts, heat the oil in a small sauté pan over a medium heat, add the chestnuts and sauté for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve the soup warm with the sautéed chestnuts and chopped parsley sprinkled over.
  5. Serving suggestion: Serve with Mısır Ekmeği (page 50 in SEBZE cookery book) to complement this delicious soup.
 

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Ezo Gelin Corba; Turkish Spicy Red Lentil and Bulgur Soup

Ezo Gelin Corbasi; Spicy Turkish lentil & bulgur soup with dried mint and red pepper flakes; wholesome and delicious

Ezo Gelin Corbasi; Spicy Turkish lentil & bulgur soup with dried mint and red pepper flakes; wholesome and delicious

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 also freezes very well, so I recommend to make a big batch and freeze some for a heart and soul warming lunch or supper.

Note: Red pepper paste, biber salcasi, adds a wonderful, rich flavour to the soup. You can make your own red pepper paste, biber salcasi, with my recipe here.

Ezo Gelin Corba and many other authentic, wholesome vegetarian Turkish recipes are included at my new cookery book, SEBZE, Vegetarian recipes from my Turkish kitchen. You can order a copy here worldwide.

Serves 6
Preparation time – 15 minutes Cooking time – 40 minutes

290 gr/1 cup split red lentils, rinsed and drained
1 onion, finely chopped
45 gr / 3 tablespoons coarse bulgur wheat, rinsed and drained
1.75 litres / 7 1/2 cups  water
60 g / 2 oz tomato paste

40 g / 1 1/2 oz Turkish hot red pepper paste, biber salcasi
30ml /2 tablespoons olive oil

15ml/1 tablespoon dried mint

Juice of 1 lemon

To Serve:
10 ml / 2 tsp dried mint
5 ml / 1 tsp pul biber, red pepper flakes / paprika flakes

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Lemon wedges to serve

Heat the olive oil in a heavy, medium-sized pot and stir in the onions. Cook over a medium heat for about 4 minutes, stirring often, this will soften the onions. Add the lentils and the water. Cover and bring the pot to the boil. Cook over a medium to low heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the bulgur, tomato paste, red pepper paste and dried mint, season with salt and ground black pepper. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes, until the bulgur is cooked. Add some more water if the soup appears to be too thick. Pour in the lemon juice and mix well.

To serve, pour 2 tbsp olive oil in a small pan and stir in the dried mint and pul biber / red pepper flakes. Stir and gently cook over a low heat for about 40 seconds. Pour in this sauce into the soup and combine well.

Serve hot with lemon wedges by the side.

Afiyet Olsun,

Ozlem

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