Tomato Soup gets a hearty, aromatic upgrade in this Turkish Ezogelin Tomato Soup, a textured blend of red lentils, bulgur, and rice seasoned with dried mint and red pepper flakes. If you want comfort that’s wholesome and deeply flavorful, this classic bowl brings warmth without relying on cream. The grains add body and satisfaction, the tomato base gives brightness, and the spices create that signature savory kick—perfect for busy weeknights and cool weather.
Why You’ll Love It
Think of Ezogelin as the robust cousin of smooth tomato soup. Instead of puréeing, you keep the grains intact so every spoonful has tender texture and a gentle chew. Dried mint lifts the tomato’s acidity, while red pepper flakes (or pul biber) bring mild heat that you can scale up or down. It belongs on your Fall Soup Recipes list and fits well alongside Healthy Soup Recipes and everyday Soup Ideas when you’re craving something cozy but not heavy.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried mint
- ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ¾ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 2 tbsp coarse bulgur
- 1 tbsp short-grain rice
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes (or 4 cups chopped ripe tomatoes)
- 5 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Build the base: Warm olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion 3–4 minutes until translucent, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Bloom spices: Stir in tomato paste, dried mint, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer: Add lentils, bulgur, rice, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer.
- Cook to tender: Simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until grains are soft and the soup is thickened.
- Finish bright: Stir in lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Health Benefits
- Protein + fiber: Red lentils, bulgur, and rice deliver plant protein and fiber for lasting fullness.
- Antioxidants: Tomatoes offer lycopene and vitamin C; mint provides refreshing aroma with minimal sodium.
- Light yet satisfying: Olive oil adds a small touch of healthy fat without heaviness.
Tips for Success
- Texture control: Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much; simmer a few extra minutes for a thicker bowl.
- Heat level: Use more or less red pepper flakes to match your preference.
- Make-ahead: The soup tastes even better on day two as the grains absorb flavor.
Variations
- Tomato Vegetable Soup: Add diced carrots or celery with the onion.
- Cherry Tomato Soup twist: Use halved cherry tomatoes for a fresher, slightly sweeter profile.
- Butternut Squash Soup crossover: Stir in 1 cup roasted squash for extra silkiness and fall flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with lemon wedges and extra dried mint if you like. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months; thin with broth when reheating.
Conclusion
This Ezogelin Tomato Soup delivers comfort, nutrition, and vibrant flavor in one pot—a textured, tomato-forward classic you’ll keep in rotation all season.
