Mercimek Çorbası Base (Turkish Red Lentil Soup Base)

A base of red lentils, onion, carrot, and potato simmered until soft and blended smooth, finished with a butter-and-paprika drizzle (tatli veya aci biber) at the table.

Flavor Profile

Earthy and mellow, brightened by lemon at serving and the paprika-butter finish.

Culinary Uses

Base for Turkey's most iconic everyday soup, mercimek çorbası, typically served with lemon wedges and bread.

Regional Variations

Some versions add bulgur for extra body; the finishing butter can be either sweet paprika or spicier depending on regional and household preference.

Storage

Refrigerate 4–5 days; freezes well.

Lebanese shorbat addas is a structurally similar but independently developed red lentil soup base from the same broader region.