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Şehriye Corbasi (Turkish Orzo Soup)

A bowl of orzo soup on a black plate, a wooden spoon, paprika in a mini bowl and a lemon wedge accompany.
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5 from 2 reviews

Şehriye Çorbası is a comforting Turkish soup made with orzo pasta, enriched with tomato paste, dried mint, and garlic, then brightened with a splash of lemon juice. It's a simple, hearty dish that combines the warmth of home cooking with the ease of preparation, making it perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, mashed or grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup pureed tomatoes (you can use canned tomatoes)
  • 5 cups water (use vegetable broth or chicken broth if you want)
  • 1/2 cup orzo
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (plus more to garnish)
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add tomato paste, mashed garlic, dried mint, paprika, salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in the pureed tomatoes, stirring well to integrate the tomato paste mixture with the tomatoes. Let this mixture cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. Pour in the water or your choice of broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the orzo and chopped parsley. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
  6. Remember to stir the soup occasionally while it is simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  7. Once the orzo is cooked, remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice.
  8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you want it a bit spicier, add a bit more black pepper or paprika.
  9. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  1. When adding the tomato paste and spices, make sure to stir constantly. This prevents the ingredients from burning.
  2. Stir the soup occasionally as it simmers. Orzo has a tendency to stick to the bottom of the pot if left undisturbed. 
  3. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. 
  4. Don’t forget to taste the soup towards the end of cooking. Adjusting the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice can significantly enhance the flavor. 
  5. Enjoy it with traditional Turkish bread like Ramazan Pidesi.
  6. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. 
  7. When reheating, you may need to add a little water or broth, as the orzo tends to absorb more liquid upon sitting. Warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. 
  8. Nutrition information given here is approximate and meant as a guideline only.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.giverecipe.com/orzo-soup/