Gaziantep Style Mahlhıta Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1/2 tea glass riceInstead: bulgur
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butterInstead: olive oil
• 6 cups hot water
• Salt and black pepper

Calories are an editor’s estimate per serving, not a lab measurement.

Method

1. 1

   Wash and drain the red lentils and rice thoroughly.

2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the chopped onions until translucent.

3. 3

   Add the tomato paste and sauté until its aroma is released.

4. 4

   Add the washed lentils, rice, and hot water to the pot.

5. 5

   Once it boils, reduce the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes until the grains are tender.

6. 6

   In a separate small pan, melt the butter and lightly fry the mint and sumac.

7. 7

   Pour the sauce into the soup, season with salt and pepper, simmer for another minute, and serve hot.

Note. You can sprinkle extra sumac on top during serving, as it gives the soup its characteristic tangy flavor.