Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi)

Step 1

Combine lentils, onion, garlic, carrot, potato and spices in a large pot. Pour water over them. Cook it uncovered until it boils over medium high heat.

Step 2

Bring the heat to medium low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until everything is tender.

Step 3

Blend it until smooth using an immersion blender (aka hand blender) or a food processor. Put it back over the lowest heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 4

For the olive oil sauce, put olive oil, tomato paste, paprika and dried mint in a sauce pan. Mix them well and cook for 30 seconds or so.

Step 5

Either pour the sauce in the pot and stir everything well or pour it over the bowls when serving.