Collard Green Soup (Lahana Çorbası) Recipe – Turkey Special
Collard Green Soup, known as Lahana Çorbası in Turkish cuisine, is a hearty and nutritious dish packed with the goodness of leafy greens, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Traditionally popular in the Black Sea region of Turkey, this soup is a comforting meal that warms the soul. Made with fresh collard greens, potatoes, and sometimes beans or grains, it offers a perfect balance of earthy flavors and nourishing ingredients. Whether enjoyed as a light meal or a wholesome appetizer, this soup is a delightful way to incorporate healthy greens into your diet. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time35 min
- Total Time50 min
For the Soup:
- 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked white beans (optional)
- 1/4 cup bulgur or rice (optional)
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh lemon wedges (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Prepare the Ingredients:
Wash the collard greens thoroughly and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Dice the potatoes, chop the carrot, and mince the garlic and onion.
Cook the Soup:
In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Add the chopped collard greens, potatoes, carrots, and optional white beans or bulgur.
Pour in the broth, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Serve hot with crusty bread or a side of rice for a satisfying meal.
Recipe Notes :
Collard Greens : You can substitute kale or Swiss chard if collard greens are unavailable.
Broth Choice : Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
Protein Addition : Adding cooked white beans or shredded chicken makes the soup more filling.
Spice Level : Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Serving : Pair with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.
