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On a brisk Ankara day, there's nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming bowl of mercimek çorbası, Turkey's famed lentil soup. With a squirt of lemon juice to add some zing, this hearty, heartwarming soup is your belly's best buddy.
Mercimek çorbası offers a comforting blend of earthy lentil flavors balanced with sweet undertones from the onions and carrots. The addition of lemon juice adds a refreshing sour note, creating a harmonious and hearty soup that warms the soul.
Lentil soup has deep roots in Turkish cuisine, dating back centuries. The word 'mercimek' stems from Arabic, indicating its historical connections across cultures. Lentils have been cultivated in the Middle East for thousands of years, making their way into various regional diets. Traditionally, mercimek çorbası has been a staple during Ramadan, often served to break fast. Not only is it nourishing, but it also reflects Turkish communal customs, where sharing a pot of soup brings families together.
Mercimek çorbası is not just delicious but also incredibly healthy. Lentils are rich in iron, folate, and protein, making it an excellent meal for vegetarians looking to meet their dietary needs.
This soup is particularly favored during the colder months in Ankara and throughout Turkey. Its warming properties make it a go-to comfort food when the temperatures drop.
Throughout Turkey, you can find various tweaks to the basic mercimek çorbası recipe depending on regional preferences. Some might include spices like cumin or paprika for added flavor, turning it into culinary creations that reflect local tastes.