Turkish Lentil Soup Recipe (Hatay-Style Lentil Soup)

Ingredients • 2 liters water • 1 medium onion, cut into 4 pieces • 2 carrots, roughly chopped • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed • 1 medium potato, chopped • Salt, to taste • ½ lemon, juiced For the garnish: • 4 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable) • Pul biber (Turkish red pepper flakes), to taste • A pinch of cumin Instructions 1. Cook the vegetables and lentils • Add water, onion, carrots, potato, and lentils to a large pot. • Bring to a boil, then simmer until all vegetables are very soft. • Add a little more water if it reduces too much. 2. Blend the soup • Blend with a hand blender (or countertop blender) until smooth and creamy. 3. Season • Add salt to taste. • Stir in lemon juice for brightness. 4. Prepare the garnish • Heat oil in a small pan. • Add pul biber and a pinch of cumin. • Let it sizzle for a few seconds to release the aroma. • Spoon this flavored oil over each bowl of soup. Serve hot with bread. Simple, wholesome, and comforting.