Creative Methods to Thickening Turkish Lentil Soup for a Rich and Creamy Consistency

When it comes to making a traditional Turkish lentil soup, achieving the perfect thickness is key. There are various methods to thicken soup, including the use of cornstarch or pureeing lentils, but today we'll explore some unique and delicious ways to thicken Turkish lentil soup. Whether you prefer a smooth and creamy texture or a chunkier consistency, these techniques will help you create a wonderful soup.

Thickening with Lentil Puree

Lentils pureed to thicken soup is not only a healthy alternative to using cornstarch but also adds a rich, flavor-enhancing element to your dish. You can achieve this by either pureeing a portion of the lentils in a blender or using an immersion blender directly in the pot. The choice between a blender and an immersion blender depends on your preference for accuracy and ease of cleanup.

Using a Blender: For a more precise amount of pureed lentils, use a measuring cup to remove a portion of the cooked lentils and blend them in a high-speed blender. This method ensures that you get a consistent and smooth consistency.

Using an Immersion Blender: If you prefer a quicker and more straightforward method, simply add the immersion blender to a small section of lentils in the pot and blend until smooth. While this method is slightly less accurate, it is quicker and easier to clean up.

Thickening with Flour

For a traditional approach, you can thicken your Turkish lentil soup using flour. However, the process requires a bit more attention to detail to achieve the right consistency. Begin by sautéing 3-4 tablespoons of flour in a little bit of vegetable oil until it turns slightly brown. Then, pour this into the hot soup and use a handheld blender to homogenize it. Ensure that you cook this mixture for a few more minutes on low heat to fully integrate the flour and prevent any lumps.

While this method is more work, it can add a depth of flavor that is unique to certain soups like the famous Harira soup from North Africa, which uses this technique to achieve its creamy texture.

Traditional Thickening Method

A simpler and more straightforward method involves starting with the lentils and a few other ingredients. Begin by sautéing a variety of vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery in your pot. Add minced garlic and ginger, followed by a spoonful of turmeric for added flavor. Once the vegetables are softened, add the washed lentils and twice the amount of water as the lentils. For example, if you use 1 cup of lentils, add 2 cups of water. Simmer the soup for 30-40 minutes, gradually adjusting the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the vegetables and lentils. Additionally, you can achieve a creamier texture by adding a dollop of yogurt just before serving. If you want a thicker, more substantial soup, consider adding cooked rice and leafy greens to the finished soup before serving.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here is a simple and effective way to make Turkish lentil soup:

Start by washing and picking through the lentils to remove any dirt or stones. Add the lentils, bay leaf, thyme, carrots, and celery to a pot and cover them with stock. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender. This can take 25 to 40 minutes depending on the type of lentils you are using.

In a separate skillet, sauté chopped onions in olive oil until they become translucent but not brown. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the cooked onions and garlic to the lentil pot and stir well.

If the soup becomes too thick, gradually add more stock, stirring continuously, until you reach the desired consistency. Add a bit more salt and pepper as needed.

To garnish, you can add a dollop of plain yogurt just before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and creamy lentil soup!