Turkish Red Lentil Recipe

Name: Turkish Red Lentil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 T butter; 1 white onion, finely diced; 1 red bell pepper, finely diced; 2 1/2 T tomato paste; 1 T freshly ground cumin seeds; 1 1/2 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained; 8 cups of water; Salt; 1/4 cup fine ground bulgur; 1 T dried mint; 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes; 2 teaspoons sumac; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Servings: persons

3 T butter
1 white onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
2 1/2 T tomato paste
1 T freshly ground cumin seeds
1 1/2 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
8 cups of water
Salt
1/4 cup fine ground bulgur
1 T dried mint
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons sumac
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

1
Melt 1 T butter in a medium pot over medium heat.
2
Add onion and bell pepper, saute until softened, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in tomato paste and cumin, and toast until aromatic, 2-3 minutes.
4
Stir in lentils and water, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, season with salt and simmer until lentils are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
5
Add bulgur and simmer until grains increase in volume and tenderize, about 8 minutes.
6
Stir in remaining butter, mint, red pepper flakes and sumac.
7
Once butter melts, season to taste with salt.
8
Ladle into bowls, top with a dollop of yogurt and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

759

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 T butter, 1 white onion, finely diced, 1 red bell pepper, finely diced, 2 1/2 T tomato paste, and more.

Yes, Turkish Red Lentil falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Turkish Red Lentil

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions