What is the Turkish red-lentil soup commonly called?

The Turkish red-lentil soup commonly called mercimek çorbası is a staple of Turkish cuisine.

Its name literally means “lentil soup” in Turkish: mercimek means lentil, and çorbası means its soup. Red lentils are simmered with ingredients such as onion, carrot, potato, tomato paste, and spices, then often blended until smooth. Lemon juice and dried mint are common finishing touches.

Mercimek çorbası is served throughout Turkey in homes, restaurants, and lokantas, where it is often eaten as a starter or light meal. It is sometimes confused with ezogelin çorbası, another popular Turkish soup that commonly includes bulgur or rice and has a different texture and flavor profile.

Turkish lentil soup belongs to the wider family of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean lentil soups, but its smooth red-lentil preparation is especially associated with Turkish cooking.