🍂 Autumn Equinox Soup


A warm and comforting soup for crisp autumn evenings

Inspired by the traditional Turkish Ezogelin soup, this hearty recipe combines red lentils, fine bulgur, and rice with carrots, onion, and warming spices. Its golden color and earthy flavors make it the perfect bowl of comfort for the autumn season.

🥣 Ingredients – Serves 4–6

  • 1 cup red lentils

  • 2 tablespoons fine bulgur

  • 1 tablespoon rice

  • 1 small carrot

  • 1 onion

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper paste

  • 6 cups hot water or vegetable stock

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon dried mint

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika

  • Salt to taste

🍁 For an Equinox Twist

  • ½ teaspoon turmeric

  • 1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses

  • A few drops of lemon juice, for serving

  • Roasted pumpkin seeds, optional

🍲 How to Make It

  1. Finely chop the onion and carrot. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion and sauté for a few minutes. Add the minced garlic.

  2. Add the carrot and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper paste and cook until fragrant.

  3. Add the rinsed red lentils, rice, and bulgur.

  4. Add the cumin, dried mint, black pepper, paprika, and turmeric. The turmeric gives the soup a beautiful golden color and a subtle earthy flavor.

  5. Pour in the hot water or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the lentils, rice, and bulgur are completely tender.

  6. Blend the soup until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky if you prefer a more rustic texture. If the soup is too thick, add a little more hot water.

  7. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pomegranate molasses as the final touch. It adds a delicate fruity acidity and gives the soup an extra layer of flavor.

  8. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with a few drops of lemon juice, a sprinkle of dried mint, and, if desired, roasted pumpkin seeds.

🍂 Why “Autumn Equinox Soup”?

The autumn equinox marks the transition from the bright energy of summer to the slower, calmer rhythm of autumn.

This soup brings that feeling to the table with its golden color, earthy spices, hearty lentils, and comforting grains. The subtle sweetness and acidity of pomegranate molasses add a seasonal touch, while the warm spices make every spoonful feel like autumn in a bowl.

Perfect with: a slice of toasted sourdough bread with butter, or a simple lemony arugula salad.

A bowl of Autumn Equinox Soup is more than just a meal — it is a small invitation to slow down, get cozy, and enjoy the season. 🍂

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