Turkish Soup with Green Tea BBQ Seasonings

Ingredients:

• 6g green tea BBQ seasonings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables:

• Dice the onion, carrot, potato, and celery into small cubes. Mince the garlic.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant。

Add Spices and Lentils:

• Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant. Add the rinsed red lentils and stir to coat them with the spices。

Simmer the Soup:

• Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender。

Season and Finish:

• Stir in the juice of 1/2 lemon and 3g of the green tea BBQ seasonings. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the soup using an immersion blender。

Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of the remaining 3g of green tea BBQ seasonings. Serve hot with crusty bread。

Tips for Success:

• Spices: The combination of cumin, paprika, and coriander is essential for the traditional Turkish flavor. The green tea BBQ seasonings add a unique, smoky twist。
• Lentils: Red lentils cook quickly and give the soup a creamy texture. You can also use green or brown lentils for a firmer texture。
• Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the soup。
• This Turkish soup with green tea BBQ seasonings is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines traditional Turkish spices with a unique twist, making it perfect for a cozy meal.