Experience the Creamy Elegance of Turkish Lebeniye Soup – Lebeniye Çorbası.
Transport yourself to Turkey’s vibrant kitchens with Lebeniye Çorbası, a yogurt-based soup featuring tender rice, hearty chickpeas, and succulent meatballs.
This dish is a celebration of creamy textures, zesty flavors, and aromatic spices, topped with a buttery mint drizzle for the ultimate comforting experience.
Perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights at home, this Turkish classic pairs beautifully with warm bread and a side of olives.
Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors or exploring Turkish cuisine for the first time, Lebeniye Soup promises to impress with its rich, tangy taste and luxurious texture.
For the Soup:
⦁ 2 tablespoons rice
⦁ 1 cup boiled chickpeas
⦁ 5 ½ cups water
⦁ Salt, to taste
For the Liaison (Creamy Mixture):
⦁ 1 ½ cups yogurt
⦁ 2 tablespoons flour
⦁ Juice of ½ lemon
For the Meatballs:
⦁ 200 g (0.45 lb) ground beef
⦁ 1 onion, finely chopped
⦁ Salt, to taste
⦁ Black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
⦁ 2 tablespoons butter
⦁ 1 teaspoon dried mint
1. Cook the Rice and Chickpeas: Wash the rice thoroughly. In a medium pot, cook it with 1 cup of water until tender. Add the remaining 4½ cups of water and bring to a boil. Stir in the boiled chickpeas.
2. Prepare the Liaison: In a bowl, mix yogurt, flour, and lemon juice. To temper the mixture, slowly add a ladle of the boiling soup to the bowl, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Gradually pour the liaison mixture into the soup, stirring continuously.
3. Make the Meatballs: Combine ground beef, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Knead well and roll into small, chickpea-sized meatballs.
4. Cook the Meatballs: In a skillet, melt butter and fry the meatballs until golden brown. Sprinkle dried mint over the meatballs and stir briefly.
5. Assemble the Soup: Add the fried meatballs to the soup and let simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with a bit of the buttery mint topping. Serve immediately.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Plain Yogurt – Use full-fat yogurt for creaminess and depth
✔ Ground Lamb or Beef – Traditional and savory; lamb adds richness
✔ Chickpeas – Cooked or canned, rinsed well
✔ Rice – Short-grain or medium-grain adds body and texture
✔ Egg Yolk – Helps stabilize the yogurt and prevents curdling
✔ Flour – Just a spoonful to thicken the soup and bind the yogurt
✔ Garlic – Crushed or minced, for depth and aroma
✔ Dried Mint – Essential for that classic Turkish flavor
✔ Butter – For the final spiced drizzle
✔ Salt & Pepper – To taste
✔ Water or Light Stock – Use as a base for simmering
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Prepare Meatballs – Mix ground meat with salt and pepper, roll into mini köfte (meatballs)
✔ Brown the Meatballs – Sear until golden and set aside
✔ Cook Rice Separately – Simmer until tender before adding to soup
✔ Whisk Yogurt Base – Combine yogurt, flour, egg yolk, and a bit of water until smooth
✔ Temper Carefully – Slowly add hot broth to yogurt mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling
✔ Combine & Simmer – Add yogurt mixture, rice, chickpeas, and meatballs; stir gently until thickened
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Stir Gently – Keep heat low to prevent yogurt from splitting
✔ Don't Rush – Let flavors meld slowly; patience yields the best taste
✔ Finish with Mint Butter – Melt butter and sizzle dried mint for 30 seconds; drizzle on top
✔ Garlic Option – Add to butter or directly into the yogurt base for extra flavor
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Rich + Tangy – Yogurt balances the richness of the meatballs
✔ Mint Matters – Adds brightness and cuts through the creamy base
✔ Salt Gradually – Taste after adding meat and chickpeas
✔ Optional Lemon – A squeeze at the end lifts the dish without overpowering
📦 Storage
✔ Fridge – Lasts 2–3 days in an airtight container
✔ Reheat Slowly – Use low heat and stir constantly to preserve texture
✔ Not Freezer-Friendly – Yogurt-based soups tend to separate when thawed
✔ Mint Butter – Store separately and reheat before using again
🍽 Serving
✔ Traditional Style – Hot, with a spoonful of mint butter swirled on top
✔ Garnish Ideas – Extra dried mint, cracked black pepper, or a lemon wedge
✔ Bread Pairing – Crusty bread or pide for dipping
✔ Comfort Food – Perfect for cooler months or a filling starter to a Turkish meal