Turkish-Style Vermicelli Soup with Yogurt and Egg
This comforting Turkish-style vermicelli soup is a simple, flavorful dish made with toasted vermicelli, tomato paste, garlic, and warm spices. A creamy yogurt, flour, and egg yolk mixture is added at the end to give the soup a rich, silky texture.
It is quick to prepare, comforting, and easy to customize with extra hot water or homemade chicken or beef broth for even more flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation.
- Warm, comforting, and full of flavor.
- The yogurt and egg yolk mixture creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner.
- Can be prepared with chicken or beef broth for extra flavor.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: Not specified
- Cook Time: Not specified
- Total Time: Not specified
- Servings: Not specified
- Course: Soup
- Cuisine: Turkish-inspired
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tea glass vermicelli
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 cups hot water
- Salt, to taste
For the Yogurt Mixture
- 3 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 level tablespoons flour
- 1 egg yolk
Optional Topping
- Butter, as desired
- Dried mint, as desired
Instructions
1. Toast the Vermicelli
Heat the butter and vegetable oil in a pot. Add the vermicelli and sauté until lightly toasted and golden.
2. Add the Tomato Paste and Seasonings
Add the tomato paste and continue sautéing. Stir in the grated garlic, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook briefly until fragrant.
3. Add the Hot Water
Pour in the hot water and season with salt. Stir well and bring the soup to a boil. Let it cook until the vermicelli is tender.
4. Prepare the Yogurt Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, flour, and egg yolk until smooth and well combined.
5. Temper the Mixture
Take one or two ladles of the hot soup broth and gradually add them to the yogurt mixture while whisking continuously. This gently warms the mixture and helps prevent it from curdling.
6. Finish the Soup
Slowly pour the tempered yogurt mixture into the soup while stirring continuously. Continue stirring until everything is well incorporated and the soup reaches your desired consistency.
7. Add the Optional Topping
If desired, melt a little butter in a small pan, add dried mint, and briefly heat until fragrant. Pour the butter and mint over the soup before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Temper the yogurt mixture gradually with hot soup broth before adding it to the pot to help prevent curdling.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more hot water until you reach the desired consistency.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken or beef broth instead of water.
- Stir the soup while adding the yogurt mixture so it blends smoothly into the broth.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred level of heat.
Variations
- Broth-Based Version: Replace some or all of the hot water with chicken or beef broth for a deeper flavor.
- Spicier Soup: Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Mint Topping: Finish with butter and dried mint for a fragrant, traditional-style topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot with a drizzle of the optional mint butter on top. It pairs well with fresh bread, flatbread, or a simple salad for a comforting meal.
Storage
Refrigerator
Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Since the soup contains yogurt and egg, store it properly and consume it within a few days.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a little hot water or broth to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
Nutrition
Nutrition information will vary depending on the type and amount of oil, butter, yogurt, and broth used, so exact nutritional values are not specified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken broth instead of water?
Yes. Chicken or beef broth can be used instead of water and will give the soup a richer, more savory flavor.
How can I prevent the yogurt from curdling?
Whisk the yogurt, flour, and egg yolk together first, then gradually whisk in one or two ladles of hot soup broth before adding the mixture to the pot. This helps bring the mixture closer to the temperature of the soup.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
Simply add a little more hot water and stir until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make the soup without the butter topping?
Yes. The butter and dried mint topping is optional, so the soup can be served without it.
Final Thoughts
This Turkish-style vermicelli soup is an easy and comforting recipe that combines toasted vermicelli, tomato paste, garlic, spices, and a smooth yogurt-based mixture. Finish it with butter and dried mint, or use chicken or beef broth for an extra flavorful bowl.
