Healing & Delicious! Traditional Lebeniye Soup

Refika's Kitchen

Video Stats

Channel: Refika's Kitchen
Host: Refika's Kitchen
Published: Jul 3, 2025
Views: 53.5k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

Lebeniye Soup is a delightful Turkish dish that brings warmth and comfort, especially on chilly days. The recipe starts with browning minced meat, which adds depth to the broth. The addition of yogurt, mixed with an egg, creates a creamy texture that enriches the soup without curdling. This technique is essential for achieving the right consistency and flavor.

The use of rice not only thickens the soup but also makes it filling, turning it into a satisfying meal. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and substitute with lentils or chickpeas for protein. The soup is seasoned with spices like allspice and garnished with fresh herbs, making it a versatile dish that can be adjusted to personal taste.

What stands out about this recipe is its adaptability; you can enjoy it hot or cold, making it suitable for any season. It’s a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food, perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a cozy meal. The rich flavors and creamy texture are sure to make it a favorite in your household.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:53

Put minced meat in a pot with a bit of salt and fry it.

01:14

Tip: Adding a bit more water helps the minced meat dissolve in the mouth.

2
01:19

When the minced meat is ready, add a bit of butter and garlic.

3
01:24

Add thinly sliced chard to the pot and stir.

4
01:34

Add a bit of water and when it starts to boil, add rice.

5
01:39

Once the rice is soft, add boiled chickpeas.

6
01:51

Mix yogurt with an egg and a bit of salt.

01:56

Tip: Add an egg to yogurt to prevent it from curdling when heated.

02:04

Tip: For more sourness, add a bit of lemon before heating the yogurt.

7
02:10

Slowly add the yogurt mixture to the soup.

02:17

Tip: Use dried mint or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor of the soup.

02:27

Tip: Heat butter until it smells nutty before adding fresh herbs to the soup.

8
02:36

Add the heated herbs to the soup and it's ready to eat.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Rice100g
Chickpeas100g
Garlic3 cloves
Butter30g
Salt1 tsp
Black Pepper1 tsp
All Spice0.5 tsp
Mint
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Coconut Yogurt

Ingredient: Gluten

    → Substitution: Gluten-Free Rice

Nutrition

Calories
350
kcal per serving
Protein
20
per serving
Carbs
40
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Lebeniye Soup is a traditional Turkish dish that varies by region, often incorporating yogurt and rice.
  • The soup can be made vegetarian by omitting the minced meat and using vegetable broth.
  • Adding an egg to the yogurt prevents it from curdling when heated.
  • Dried mint is commonly used to enhance the flavor of the soup.