Corba
Corba from Turkey.
Cook and rest are read from the method. Prep is estimated when the listing left it out. Optional overnight waits and leftover storage are not counted.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 27 min
- Rest
- None
- Total
- 37 min
- Difficulty
- A bit of work
- Spice
- No chilli
- Cost
- Weeknight budget$8–16 USD · indicative, not a store price

About
Pick through your lentils for any foreign debris, rinse them 2 or 3 times, drain, and set aside. Fair warning, this will probably turn your lentils into a solid block that you’ll have to break up later In a large pot over medium-high heat, sauté the olive oil and the onion with a pinch of salt for about 3 minutes, then add the carrots and cook for another 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir it around for around 1 minute. Now add the cumin, paprika, mint, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper as quickly as you can and stir for 10 seconds to bloom the spices.
What you'll need
13 ingredients. Tap each one once it's out on the bench.
Ingredients
- Lentils237 ml
- Tomato purée15 ml
- Cumin9.9 ml
- Paprika4.9 ml
- Mint2½ ml
- Thyme2½ ml
- Black pepper1.2 ml
- Red pepper flakes1.2 ml
- Vegetable stock946 ml
- Water237 ml
- Saltto taste
Scaling multiplies the written quantities. Baking still prefers a scale.
Steps
Step 1
Pick through your lentils for any foreign debris, rinse them 2 or 3 times, drain, and set aside. Fair warning, this will probably turn your lentils into a solid block that you’ll have to break up later In a large pot over medium-high heat, sauté the olive oil and the onion with a pinch of salt for about 3 minutes, then add the carrots and cook for another 3 minutes.
6 min
Step 2
Add the tomato paste and stir it around for around 1 minute. Now add the cumin, paprika, mint, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper as quickly as you can and stir for 10 seconds to bloom the spices.
1 min
Step 3
Congratulate yourself on how amazing your house now smells. Immediately add the lentils, water, broth, and salt.
Step 4
Bring the soup to a (gentle) boil. After it has come to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot halfway, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils have fallen apart and the carrots are completely cooked.
20 min
Step 5
After the soup has cooked and the lentils are tender, blend the soup either in a blender or simply use a hand blender to reach the consistency you desire. Taste for seasoning and add more salt if necessary.
Step 6
Serve with crushed-up crackers, torn up bread, or something else to add some extra thickness. You could also use a traditional thickener (like cornstarch or flour), but I prefer to add crackers for some texture and saltiness.
Step 7
Makes great leftovers, stays good in the fridge for about a week.
Nutrition
Per serving · estimate
- Calories
- 138 kcal
- Protein
- 9.4 g
- Carbs
- 21.9 g
- Fat
- 2.1 g
- Saturated fat
- 0.4 g
- Fibre
- 6.7 g
- Sugar
- 5 g
- Sodium
- 1274 mg
Calculated from canonical ingredient data (USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables). Estimates only.
Allergens
Informational only. Not a medical guarantee. Cross-contamination happens in real kitchens.
- No major allergens flagged in the structured ingredients.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
Adapt this recipe
The original recipe stays as it is. Personal versions are labelled. Serving changes are simple maths.
Adaptations · 0 / 15 used. Resets 10 November.
Substitutions
onion → shallot
Shallots are sweeter. Use the same volume, or a little extra onion if that is what you have.
tomato (passata or canned chopped tomatoes) → passata or canned chopped tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are often better than pale fresh ones out of season.
Tips
- Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
History & culture
Inspired by the original
Provenance: Imported. Not developed or tested in our kitchen, so quantities and timings can be approximate. Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Questions about this recipe
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Corba take?
37 min all in — 10 min prep, 27 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
A bit of work.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free.
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
5 more questionsFewer questions
What equipment do I need?
Stockpot, Blender.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at to taste.
What can I use instead?
onion → shallot. Shallots are sweeter. Use the same volume, or a little extra onion if that is what you have. tomato (passata or canned chopped tomatoes) → passata or canned chopped tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are often better than pale fresh ones out of season.
Any tips from this recipe?
Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.


