Turkish red lentil soup from Milk Street Tuesday Nights: More Than 200 Simple Weeknight Suppers that Deliver Bold Flavor, Fast (page 354) by Christopher Kimball

Ingredients

sweet paprika
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ground cumin
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Where’s the full recipe - why can I only see the ingredients?

Always check the publication for a full list of ingredients. An Eat Your Books index lists the main ingredients and does not include 'store-cupboard ingredients' (salt, pepper, oil, flour, etc.) - unless called for in significant quantity.

Notes about this recipe

Anjackson1003 on March 09, 2026

Loveddddd this recipe and it couldn’t point be simpler. Like others said, the Aleppo oil is really necessary. Otherwise it was somewhat bland. Served with the suggested lemon wedges and mint. With a side salad this felt like a complete meal!
anyah_h60oih on February 07, 2026

Topped with lemon, sourdough croutons, and chili crisp instead of Aleppo pepper oil. Super versatile base, can't wait to make again!
rebecca_lmrw9n on November 17, 2025

I was so happy to see my end result looked just like the photo in the book! It’s so incredibly easy and flavorful. It also won over my partner, who usually isn’t a soup fan. Only regret is not toasting some bread as a side. Aleppo pepper is a must — do not skip!
slee0576 on April 12, 2025

No adjustments needed; it's picky-child-approved as is. Definitely a family favorite.
stef on January 03, 2025

Nice tasty soup but somehow it wasn't spicy
vegabond2016 on April 14, 2024

Really enjoyed this! I pulsed the soup in a blender to get a smoother texture, as that's the way I remember eating it in the Middle East.
Lisentric on January 21, 2024

Tasty soup with the toppings. I used the lemon, pepper and cauliflower crumbles first night. Second night I switched out the cauliflower for spinach. As many others have noted, toppings make the soup. Without them it is just average.
jenmacgregor18 on April 14, 2023

Quick to make. I really liked the texture that the little bit of rice added. And I agree with everyone else, the garnishes make this soup delicious.
breakthroughc on March 11, 2023

We loved this soup. The Aleppo pepper oil and mint takes it from average to great.
Zosia on October 23, 2022

Tasty and doesn't take much effort but it's not quite as good as others I've made.
joeljkp on May 30, 2022

I haven't made many red lentil soups, but this was nice and easy. The added rice bulks it up a bit. As others have said, the garnishes make this really stand out.
et12 on November 24, 2020

I was a bit sceptical at first when making the soup as it seemed pretty bland, but what a difference adding the pepper oil and lemon and mint makes! I didn’t have Aleppo pepper so followed advice to use paprika and chilli flakes.
SenseiHeidi on May 19, 2020

Definitely make and use the aleppo pepper oil. I like to add lime juice to my bowl.
Sskkyy on May 07, 2020

Delicious. I make this often and my whole family loves it. I wouldn't think of leaving out the Aleppo pepper oil, lemon and mint topping. It's the difference between good soup and great soup. I've made this dairy-free and 'milk protein' free in consideration of allergies. I've used half olive oil and half ghee. I've also made it with half olive oil and half Earth Balance. They've all been delicious and not lacking in buttery flavor. I highly recommend this soup.
Lepa on May 05, 2019

This is very good and easy but I make several red lentil soups and this wasn't my favorite. I may make this again but probably prefer Melissa Clark's red lentil/lemon soup.
Aggie92 on January 17, 2019

Really good and so easy. Be sure to add plenty of lemon juice to the soup so the flavor is bright and sunny. Don't omit the chile oil, it takes this soup to a whole new level.