Turkish Pasta Recipe with Yogurt and Spiced Butter

Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like gathering around a table, sharing a meal made with love, is there? Today, I’m absolutely delighted to share a Turkish Pasta Recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. This isn’t just any dish; it’s a hug in a bowl, a vibrant symphony of flavors and textures that reminds me of cherished family gatherings.

I still remember my grandmother, her hands dusted with flour, teaching me the magic of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This particular Turkish pasta recipe, while savory, evokes that same feeling of tradition and the joy of creating something truly special for those you love. It’s a dish that has been perfected through happy experimentation in my own kitchen.

This delightful Turkish pasta recipe is not only incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend lunch, but it’s also wonderfully versatile, appealing to everyone at the table. My top tip for any recipe, whether sweet or savory, is to always taste as you go — it’s the best way to make it truly your own!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful soup starts with humble yet potent ingredients that truly sing together. Olive oil and fresh aromatics like onion and garlic lay the perfect foundation, while the robust tomato paste and diced tomatoes give our Turkish pasta recipe its vibrant heart. The real magic happens with the delicate Turkish vermicelli, ensuring a comforting and satisfying bowl every time. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Turkish Pasta Recipe

Whipping up this Turkish pasta recipe is a true pleasure, a lovely dance of flavors coming together effortlessly. We begin by gently sautéing our aromatics until fragrant, building a beautiful base. Next, we introduce the rich tomato elements and broth, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Finally, the vermicelli is added to cook to perfection, seasoned with dried mint and red pepper flakes, creating a truly heartwarming and comforting bowl that’s ready to nourish your soul.

Turkish Vermicelli Tomato Soup (Tel Şehriye Çorbası)

A comforting and quick Turkish soup featuring delicate vermicelli pasta in a vibrant tomato and mint broth, perfect for a light meal or a flavorful appetizer. This simple yet aromatic recipe brings a taste of Turkish home cooking to your table.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Light Meal, Soup

Cuisine: Turkish

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Soup Base

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 medium Onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes undrained
• 6 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• 1/2 cup Turkish Vermicelli (Tel Şehriye) or orzo pasta
• 1 tsp Dried Mint
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Pul Biber) or to taste
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste

For Serving (Optional)

• 1 Lemon cut into wedges
• Fresh Mint Leaves for garnish

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Method

 

Prepare the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Build the Broth

1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor and color.
2. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Add Pasta and Season

1. Add the Turkish vermicelli (or orzo pasta) to the boiling soup. Stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
2. Stir in the dried mint, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve

1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a squeeze of brightness.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can toast the vermicelli in a dry pan for a few minutes until lightly golden before adding it to the soup. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can slightly reduce the amount of broth. This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid over time, so you might need to add a splash of extra broth when reheating.

Pro Tips for Making This Turkish Pasta Recipe

Creating the perfect Turkish pasta recipe is all about those little touches that elevate it from good to truly memorable. It’s like finding that perfect balance of sweetness in a cake – it just clicks.

My Secret Trick: I always recommend gently toasting the vermicelli in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding it to the broth. This deepens its flavor and gives it a lovely, subtle nuttiness that truly enhances this Turkish pasta recipe.

When building your broth, don’t be shy about letting the tomato paste really caramelize for a moment after sautéing your onions and garlic. This brings out a wonderful depth of flavor that makes all the difference in this Turkish pasta recipe.

For an extra layer of brightness, a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving is an absolute game-changer. It lifts all the flavors and adds a zesty finish to your Turkish pasta recipe.

Always remember to taste and adjust your seasonings – a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more red pepper flakes can transform the dish into exactly what your heart desires. This Turkish pasta recipe is all about making it yours.

Fun Variations for This Soup

One of the greatest joys of cooking, for me, is the freedom to play and adapt recipes to suit our moods and what we have on hand. This delightful Turkish pasta recipe is wonderfully forgiving and open to your creative touch!

• Hearty Vegetable Boost: My sister, who loves adding more greens to everything, often asks me to swirl in a handful of fresh spinach or finely chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking. It adds a lovely vibrant touch and extra nutrition to this Turkish pasta recipe.
• A Touch of Spice: If you, like my husband, enjoy a little more warmth, consider adding a pinch of Aleppo pepper or a tiny dash of cayenne along with the red pepper flakes. It gives the Turkish pasta recipe a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: For a more substantial meal, I’ve found that stirring in shredded cooked chicken or even some small meatballs (lamb or beef) in the final stages of cooking transforms this Turkish pasta recipe into a hearty main course.

What to Serve With Turkish Pasta Recipe

When I think about serving this lovely Turkish pasta recipe, my mind drifts to cozy evenings and shared meals with loved ones. It’s a dish that truly shines with simple, complementary sides that let its flavors sing.

I absolutely adore serving this soup with a side of crusty, warm bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth. My mom always makes sure we have a fresh loaf ready. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette is a fantastic pairing, offering a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the Turkish pasta recipe. And honestly, sometimes all you need is a scattering of extra fresh mint leaves and a dollop of creamy yogurt swirled in right before serving – it’s pure comfort!

How to Store This Delicious Soup

After all the love that goes into making this heartwarming soup, it’s wonderful to know you can enjoy it again! Properly storing this Turkish pasta recipe means you get to relive those comforting flavors.

I always recommend transferring any leftover Turkish pasta recipe into an airtight container once it has cooled completely. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For a little personal touch, I like to store the lemon wedges and fresh mint separately, adding them fresh when serving the leftovers – it really brightens everything up! While you can freeze this soup, sometimes the vermicelli can become a little softer upon thawing; it’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Nutritional Benefits

This delightful soup, while incredibly comforting, also offers some wonderful nutritional benefits. The vibrant tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene, and the fresh herbs, like mint, bring a burst of freshness and potential digestive aids. This Turkish pasta recipe truly embodies my philosophy of creating a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, proving that wholesome ingredients can lead to truly magical meals.

FAQs

Faq 1

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken or vegetable broth, feel free to use your preferred type. If you use a concentrated broth, you might want to dilute it slightly to achieve the desired consistency for your Turkish pasta recipe.

Faq 2

Yes, you can! If Turkish vermicelli (tel şehriye) isn’t available, small pasta shapes like orzo or even broken thin spaghetti can be a good substitute for this Turkish pasta recipe. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Faq 3

This Turkish pasta recipe is often served as a comforting starter or a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess and tang.

Faq 4

To ensure your soup remains fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.

Conclusion

Oh, my dear friends, I truly hope this Turkish pasta recipe brings as much warmth and joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. It’s more than just a dish; it’s an invitation to gather, to share, and to create beautiful memories around the table. With its comforting flavors and simple preparation, this Turkish pasta recipe reminds us that the most magical meals are often born from a little love, patience, and the desire to nourish those we cherish. Happy cooking, and even happier sharing!