Spicy Turkish Bulgur Lentil Stew (Ezo Gelin Çorbası)
This classic Turkish lentil stew is hearty, comforting, and nutritious. Red lentils and bulgur simmer with red pepper paste, tomato, dried mint, and Aleppo pepper, then whe whole pot is finished with lemon and infused olive oil for a nourishing, freezer-friendly meal.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups split red lentils, rinsed
- 7 1/2 cups hot water
- 1/4 cup coarse bulgur, rinsed
- 1/4 cup double concentrated tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons Turkish red pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- 1 lemon, juiced, plus lemon wedges for serving
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Infused Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried mint
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Soften the lentils. Heat the olive oil in a heavy, medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often. Add the lentils and hot water, partially cover, and bring to a boil. Set the heat to medium low and cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Skim off any foam formed at the top.
- Soften the bulgur. Stir in the bulgur, tomato paste, red pepper paste, and dried mint. Season with salt and pepper, and combine well. Cover and cook for a further 10–15 minutes, until the bulgur is cooked. Add some more water if the stew appears to be too thick. Pour in the lemon juice, adjust the seasoning to your taste and mix well.
- Make the infused oil. While the stew simmers, heat the olive oil in a small pan, stir in the dried mint and pul biber, and gently infuse over a low heat, stirring often, for 30–40 seconds.
- Finish and serve. Pour the infused oil into the stew and combine well. Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition
Calories: 312.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.8g | Protein: 13.7g | Fat: 12.5g | Saturated Fat: 1.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8.6g | Sodium: 176.2mg | Potassium: 712mg | Fiber: 16.6g | Sugar: 4.5g | Vitamin A: 455.6IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 59.5mg | Iron: 4.7mg
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