Delicious Tarhana Soup Recipe – Perfect for Winter Nights
Welcome, my friends! In the world of cuisine, there are few things more sacred than a steaming bowl of soup. And I am excited to share with you my recipe for an all-time classic Turkish soup that will warm your heart and soul – Tarhana Corbasi, also known as Turkish Sourdough Soup!
Tarhana soup has been around for well over a century and is a staple dish in the homes of Turks. The reason behind its popularity lies in its simple ingredients and ease of preparation. To create this soup, one must use a unique ingredient called Tarhana.
Tarhana powder is made from fermented dehydrated mix of flour, yogurt, onions, and tomatoes that is then dried and ground into powder form to be used later in soups like this one. The result is a savory sourdough flavor that only gets better as the soup simmers on the stove.
With this Tarhana Corbasi recipe, you will find yourself transported to the colorful streets of Turkey in just one spoonful. This rich and hearty soup will be cherished by your taste buds and your soul alike.
So, join me in preparing this Turkish delicacy in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ve probably never tasted anything quite like Tarhana Corbasi, the Turkish Sourdough Soup that I’m about to introduce you to. This soup is a classic dish of Turkish cuisine that is made with fermented and dehydrated mix of flour, yogurt, onions, and tomatoes.
Why should you try making Tarhana Corbasi at home? Well, first and foremost, it’s an incredibly delicious soup that will tickle your taste buds in all the right ways. It has a comforting sourness that comes from the fermented tarhana mix and a slight hint of spiciness from the red pepper flakes.
But this soup isn’t just tasty – it’s also incredibly easy to make. You only need a handful of ingredients, including water, tomato paste, butter, grated romano cheese, and of course, the star of the show – tarhana soup mix.
What’s more? This recipe is ideal for those who are trying to eat healthier as it uses simple and natural ingredients. In fact, Tarhana Corbasi is considered one of the healthiest soups in Turkish cuisine since it contains all-natural probiotics that keep your gut healthy.
If you’re looking for something new and exciting to add to your recipe repertoire or just want a healthy and hearty option for dinner tonight, then look no further than Tarhana Corbasi. Trust me; once you’ve tried it, you won’t be able to resist coming back for second helpings!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of all the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious Tarhana Corbasi (Turkish Sourdough Soup) Recipe:
- 1 cup of tarhana soup mix
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 pound of tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of grated romano cheese
These are all the required components to obtain an authentic, flavorful and classic Turkish soups. Don’t worry if some of these ingredients are difficult to find. As always, there’s plenty of room for substitutions and variations in this recipe, but more on that later.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! The recipe is very easy to follow, and with some patience, you’ll end up with a delicious bowl of tarhana soup.
Step 1: Prepare the Tarhana Dough
To begin making the soup, start by preparing the tarhana dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of tarhana mix with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and enough warm water – about 1 ½ cups – to make a smooth dough. Knead the mixture well for a few minutes until it forms a firm ball. Set it aside to rest for at least 20 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While waiting on the tarhana dough to rest, in a separate pot, heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in 1 finely chopped onion, 1 finely chopped red bell pepper and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste – this will help thicken the soup. Cook and stir constantly for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to form a fragrant base for the soup.
Step 3: Add Water and Tarhana Dough
Next in line is adding water to this fragrant vegetable base together with the tarhana dough we have rested earlier. Pour in 4 cups of water and add in the tarhana dough.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil & Simmer
When everything is completely combined and at level over medium heat bring the mixture slowly to boil while stirring constantly so no lumps are formed together. Lower it down on low heat after boiling point reached then cover your pot halfway with lid simmering gently for another extra 20-30 minutes or until soup thickens.
Step 5: Seasoning
Our final step after simmering in step four is adding flavors to our tarhana corbasi to taste. Salt should be used at your discretion. Additionally spice things up further with red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper if desired.
That’s it ! your Turkish Sourdough Soup, also known as Tarhana Corbasi is now ready for serving!
Don’t forget that some fresh crusty bread or garlic bread would be amazing at this point too or you can go for classic Turkish side dishes like red lentil soup or tomato soup served alongside the main dish! Bon appetit!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the joys of cooking is the opportunity to experiment and make a recipe your own. With this recipe for Turkish sourdough soup, there are several opportunities to add your own personal touch.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the romano cheese or substitute it with another type of cheese that is suitable for vegetarians. You could also use vegetable broth instead of water, as it will give the soup more depth of flavor.
For those who prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced red bell pepper to the soup. You could also try swapping out the tomato paste for a tablespoon of harissa paste for an added burst of spice and color.
If you struggle to find tarhana soup mix at your local grocery store, don’t worry. Making a homemade version is quite easy with readily available ingredients. All you need is flour, yogurt, onions, and tomatoes mixed together and then dried in the sun. Once dried, you can crumble the mixture into small pieces to replace the store-bought mix.
And finally, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take this recipe up another notch, try swapping out some of the ingredients entirely. Instead of tarhana soup mix, consider using lentils for a Turkish lentil soup or tomato soup for a rich and creamy tomato-based soup.
Whatever substitution or variation you choose to make, remember that cooking is all about creativity and experimentation. So go ahead and add your own twist to this classic Turkish dish!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing Tarhana Corbasi, let your creativity flourish! This thick and creamy soup with a tangy flavor can be enjoyed as a starter or main course. I usually serve it with some crusty bread on the side, which helps to soak up every last bit of soup from the bowl.
Tarhana Corbasi is such a versatile dish that it pairs well with almost anything you can think of. However, some traditional Turkish dishes that come to mind are kababs, meatballs, and Lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza). You can also make it the star of your meal by serving it with some toasted nuts or croutons for added texture.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, pair Tarhana Corbasi with a light salad. It’s also vegan-friendly on its own if you omit the grated Romano cheese topping. And if you want to indulge yourself a little, add a dollop of yogurt to your soup to balance out the acidity from the lemon juice in Tarhana mix.
Whether you’re enjoying this classic Turkish sourdough soup all by itself or pairing it with other dishes, make sure to savor each bite and appreciate the time that went into preparing such a special meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Tarhana soup is incredibly versatile and can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated with ease. This sourdough soup recipe can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. The flavors actually develop even more over time, so this is a great dish to make ahead of time.
To store tarhana soup, let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to two months. Just make sure that your container is appropriate for freezing.
When it’s time to reheat, you can do it over medium heat in a saucepan on the stovetop. Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning the bottom of the pot. If you find the soup has become too thick upon reheating, thin it out by adding additional water a little bit at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can reheat Tarhana Corbasi directly from frozen. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as instructed above.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. You can also take it as a nutritious lunch to work or school by simply heating it up in the microwave.
Overall, Tarhana Corbasi is a great dish to make ahead of time and enjoy over and over again while still preserving all its scrumptious flavors. Do yourself a favor – whip up a big batch today and enjoy this classic Turkish soup anytime you please!
Tips for Perfect Results
In my experience, the key to making a delicious Tarhana Corbasi is all in the preparation. Here are some tips that I highly recommend to ensure that your soup turns out perfectly.
Firstly, it is essential to use the proper Tarhana soup mix. You can find a variety of instant Tarhana soup mixes at specialty food stores or online, but I suggest purchasing the fermented and dehydrated mix, made from flour, yogurt, onions, and tomatoes. Another excellent option is the Maraş Tarhana powder for a more intense and tangy flavor.
Secondly, traditional Turkish soups usually contain yogurt. You can substitute with sour cream if that is more convenient or any other dairy-free product if you prefer.
Thirdly, make sure to sauté the bell pepper and garlic to enhance those flavors. Red bells add a little sweetness to the soup, and garlic gives it warmth.
Fourthly, always use good-quality olive oil for better taste results. Add a drizzle of olive oil when serving; trust me, it makes all the difference.
Finally, for an even creamier and richer texture, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese into the soup mix after adding water instead of sprinkle on top when serving.
By following these simple tips, your Tarhana Corbasi soup will undoubtedly turn out irresistible!
FAQ
As with any recipe, you may have questions about the ingredients, the process or the outcome of this Turkish Sourdough Soup, also known as Tarhana Corbasi. Therefore, to make sure you have all the information you need to cook up a storm in your kitchen and enjoy this comforting soup, I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers in this section. Whether you’re wondering about ingredient substitutions or curious about the history behind the dish, keep reading to find out!
What is the benefits of tarhana soup?
When it comes to winter soups, Tarhana is a great choice not just for its flavorful spices, like red pepper, onion, garlic, and yoghurt, but also for its healing properties. This soup is known to boost the immune system and protect the body from contagious illnesses. In addition, it acts as a quick remedy for colds and flu, aiding in a speedy recovery.
What’s in tarhana soup?
The serving size of this dish provides 2 grams of protein, as per the nutrition facts recorded on January 3, 2022.
What is tarhana in English?
Tarhana is a type of dehydrated food that is created by fermenting a mixture of yogurt or fermented milk and grains. It is commonly used to make a thick soup by adding liquids like water, stock or milk.
How is tarhana made?
To create Tarhana, a mixture of flour, yoghurt or sour milk, cooked vegetables, groats and spices (such as the notable tarhana herb), are combined together. The concoction is left to ferment before it is dried, and finally ground and sieved.
Bottom Line
With its rich history and unique blend of flavors, Turkish cuisine is a must-try for any food enthusiast. And if you’re looking for a recipe that truly embodies the essence of Turkish cooking, look no further than Tarhana Corbasi.
From the luscious tomato paste to the tangy sourdough soup mix, every ingredient in this dish tells a story. And with just a few simple steps, you can bring those stories to life in your own kitchen.
So why not give Tarhana Corbasi a try? Whether you’re looking for a warm and comforting meal on a chilly evening, or simply want to explore the vibrant flavors of Turkey, this soup is sure to satisfy.
And with so many variations and substitutions, there’s no shortage of ways to make it your own. So dust off your favorite soup pot and get ready to embark on a culinary journey unlike any other. After all, there’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Tarhana Corbasi.
Tarhana Corbasi (Turkish Sourdough Soup) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tarhana
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups water
- tomato paste
- butter
- grated romano cheese
Instructions
- Bring the water and olive oil to a boil.
- Add the tarhana and stir constantly for approximately 20 minutes.
- Add a little tomato paste and salt to taste.
- Serve with grated romano cheese and a little bit of butter in each bowl.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found