Nohut Çorbası (Turkish Chickpea Soup)
Nohut çorbası is a comforting Turkish chickpea soup flavored with onion, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, and dried mint.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Soften the onion in olive oil over medium-low heat.
- 2
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and cumin and cook until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chickpeas and stock, then simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- 4
Crush or blend only a small portion of the chickpeas to thicken the soup while keeping most whole.
- 5
Season with salt, pepper, and dried mint.
- 6
Serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
Cook notes
Tips
Make sure to soak the chickpeas overnight for the best texture.
Adjust the thickness of the soup by blending more or less, depending on your preference.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Substitutions
- Use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Replace the carrot with diced potatoes for a different texture.
What to Serve With
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Simple green salad with a vinegar dressing
- Grilled lamb or chicken skewers
Common Mistakes
- Not soaking the chickpeas long enough; they won't cook properly if not soaked overnight.
- Over-blending the soup can result in a gluey texture; blend just until your desired consistency is reached.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. Just reduce cooking time to about 15 minutes to heat through.
What can I pair with Çorba?
It pairs well with crusty bread, a simple salad, or lamb kebabs.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Kitchen tools
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Blender
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Saucepan
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Chef knife
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Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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