Turkish Tarhana Soup Recipe (Traditional Tarhana Çorbası)
Turkish Tarhana Soup, known as Tarhana Çorbası, is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted soups in Turkish cuisine. Made from fermented tarhana powder — a mixture of yogurt, wheat flour, vegetables, and herbs — this soup has been prepared in Anatolian homes for centuries. Long before refrigeration existed, families preserved nutrition and flavor by fermenting tarhana and drying it under the sun, creating a pantry staple that could last through harsh winters.
Tarhana soup is especially associated with home cooking, childhood memories, and winter evenings. Each region of Turkey prepares tarhana slightly differently. Some versions are tangy and thick, others smoother and mild. Despite these variations, tarhana soup always represents comfort, nourishment, and tradition. It is often one of the first soups served to children and elderly family members due to its gentle texture and satisfying warmth.
Beyond its cultural value, tarhana soup is appreciated for its balanced ingredients. The combination of fermented yogurt and grains creates a filling dish that many people find easy to digest. While it is not a medical food, it has long been regarded as a practical and nourishing everyday soup, especially during cold seasons.
Today, Turkish tarhana soup continues to be cooked both traditionally and in modern kitchens around the world. With just a few simple ingredients and careful stirring, this ancient recipe still delivers a deeply familiar and comforting flavor.
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Turkish Tarhana Soup (Traditional Tarhana Çorbası)
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons tarhana powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups water or broth
- Salt to taste
- Dried mint optional
- Red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Instructions
- Mix tarhana powder with cold water until smooth.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a pot.
- Add tomato paste and sauté briefly.
- Slowly add tarhana mixture while stirring.
- Add remaining liquid and continue stirring.
- Simmer until thickened, about 10–15 minutes.
- Season and serve hot.
Notes
Ingredients
2 tablespoons tarhana powder
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 cups water or broth
Salt, to taste
Dried mint (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make Turkish Tarhana Soup
Place the tarhana powder in a bowl and mix it with a small amount of cold water until smooth and lump-free.
Heat butter and olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
Add tomato paste and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Slowly add the diluted tarhana mixture while stirring continuously.
Add the remaining water or broth and keep stirring to prevent lumps.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup thickens.
Season with salt and optional spices.
Serve hot.
Tips & Tricks
Always dissolve tarhana in cold water before cooking to avoid clumping.
Stir continuously, especially during the first minutes of cooking.
Adjust thickness by adding hot water if needed.
Butter enhances traditional flavor, but olive oil can be increased for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
Turkish tarhana soup is traditionally served hot with crusty bread or homemade flatbread. In many homes, it is enjoyed as a starter before main dishes or as a light meal on its own. A sprinkle of dried mint or red pepper flakes on top adds extra aroma and warmth.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: ~90 kcal
Protein: ~3 g
Carbohydrates: ~12 g
Fat: ~3 g
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tarhana made of?
Tarhana is made from fermented yogurt, wheat flour, vegetables, and herbs that are dried and powdered.
Is tarhana soup gluten-free?
No. Traditional tarhana contains wheat flour.
Can tarhana soup be made vegan?
Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter and water instead of broth.
Why does tarhana soup thicken quickly?
The fermented flour absorbs liquid rapidly, causing natural thickening.
How long does tarhana soup keep?
It is best consumed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Is tarhana soup suitable for children?
Yes, it is commonly served to children, especially when prepared mildly without spices.
Closing
Turkish Tarhana Soup is a timeless example of how simple ingredients and traditional techniques can create lasting comfort. Whether prepared exactly as generations did or adapted to modern kitchens, this soup remains a meaningful part of Turkish culinary heritage and continues to warm tables around the world.
