Delicious recipe for authentic Turkish Ezogelin soup – a vegan, spiced lentil soup
- Emely Freja Petersen
- Oct 27
- 2 min read
When autumn arrives, there’s almost nothing more comforting than a bowl of homemade soup.
This Turkish classic – Ezogelin Çorbası – is nourishing, flavorful, and made with love.
Ezogelin soup isn’t just delicious – it’s also packed with nourishment. The red lentils provide a natural source of plant-based protein, iron, and fiber, supporting digestion and keeping blood sugar levels steady. Bulgur and rice add slow-releasing carbohydrates for long-lasting energy and satiety, while spices like mint, paprika, and cumin stimulate circulation and warm the body from within.
This soup is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system throughout the cold winter months. A bowl of Ezogelin feels like a little shield against seasonal colds – simple, natural, and full of care.
I personally love this comforting soup, which I learned to make from my Turkish partner.
Turkish Ezogelin Soup – Vegan Lentil Soup
This recipe serves 4 people if served as a main course.
Total time: 45 min
Preparation: 15 min
Cooking: 30 min
Ingredients
2 dl red lentils
0.5 dl bulgur
0.5 dl rice
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried mint
1 tsp cumin
1.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 liter vegetable broth
0.5 liter water (for adjusting consistency)
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (very important for the final flavor)
Method / Instructions
Rinse the lentils, rice, and bulgur thoroughly in a sieve.
Heat the olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and lightly golden.
Add the tomato paste, paprika, and cumin, and stir well.
Add the lentils, rice, and bulgur, then pour in the vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil, then simmer covered over medium heat for about 25–30 minutes, until the lentils are completely tender.
Stir in the dried mint.
Optional: lightly blend with a hand blender, or leave it rustic – this is how we usually enjoy it at home.
Adjust the consistency with a little extra water, and season to taste with salt, pepper, and more dried mint if desired.
Serve hot – and don’t forget to squeeze fresh lemon over the soup, which makes it irresistible.
Step-by-Step with Pictures – Super Easy Ezogelin Soup
"Afiyet Olsun!" – that’s how you say “enjoy your meal” in Turkish.
I absolutely love the saying used when thanking someone for a meal: “Ellinize Sağlık” – which translates to “health to your hands.” It means may your hands stay healthy so you can keep making more delicious food.
Would you like to try authentic, delicious, healthy, and fresh Turkish cuisine in season?
Join us on one of our authentic trips to Turkey! Yoga, hiking, kitesurfing, culture, and amazing food!
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Namaste,Emely
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