Global Culinary Agency Unveils Top 7 Red Lentil Dishes From Around The World
Red lentils, commonly known as masoor dal in India, are a nutritional powerhouse and a kitchen staple across the subcontinent. However, their culinary appeal extends far beyond Indian borders, captivating taste buds worldwide with their soft texture and subtle, earthy flavor. According to a comprehensive survey conducted by the global culinary platform Taste Atlas in December 2025, these versatile legumes star in an array of beloved international dishes.
The survey amassed an impressive 920,843 ratings, with 595,938 recognized as legitimate by the system. Taste Atlas's mission through such ratings is to celebrate exceptional local foods, foster pride in traditional culinary heritage, and spark curiosity about unfamiliar dishes. Red lentils are not only delicious but also packed with plant-based protein, dietary fiber, iron, and B vitamins, supporting muscle health, digestion, and sustained energy levels.
1. Mercimek Çorbası (Turkey)
This traditional Turkish soup is crafted from red lentils simmered in chicken stock with onions and carrots. Seasoned with salt, pepper, cumin, or paprika, it is easy to prepare, filling, and warming. Commonly enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in rural Turkey, it is a staple in local eateries known as lokantas.
2. Bolani (Afghanistan)
Originating from Afghanistan, Bolani is a stuffed, pan-fried flatbread made with unleavened dough. The filling typically features a mixture of potato mash combined with ingredients like spinach, spring onions, pumpkin, or green or red lentils. It is best served with coriander chutney and chakkah, a creamy, mint-flavored Afghan yogurt dip.
3. Misir Wat (Ethiopia)
This Ethiopian stew is a flavorful blend of onion, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, berbere spices, stock, and lentils. Slowly simmered until the lentils become tender, it is served warm and traditionally accompanied by injera flatbread on the side, which is used to scoop up the hearty lentils.
4. Mercimek Köfte (Turkey)
Another Turkish delight, Mercimek Köfte consists of oval-shaped patties made from a doughy mixture of boiled red lentils and bulgur. The mixture is seasoned with salt and flavored with sautéed onions, tomato paste, and a pinch of cumin. Traditionally, these köfte are eaten with lettuce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
5. Ezogelin Çorbası (Turkey)
This mint-flavored Turkish soup is made with red lentils, bulgur, pepper paste, and an assortment of Turkish spices. Beyond being served as a warm starter or breakfast meal, it holds cultural significance as soul food for young brides-to-be, symbolizing sustenance for the marital journey ahead.
6. Dal Adas (Southern Iran)
Native to Southern Iran, Dal Adas is a comforting lentil stew made with red or brown lentils cooked until tender. It is combined with sautéed onions, garlic, and a fragrant mix of spices such as turmeric, cumin, and sometimes cinnamon, reflecting the rich flavors and traditions of southern Iranian cuisine.
7. Mahluta (Turkey)
This traditional Turkish soup features a combination of red lentils, onions, tomato paste, rice, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, and salt. It is a hearty and aromatic dish that showcases the versatility of red lentils in creating nourishing meals.
These seven dishes highlight the global love for red lentils, demonstrating how this humble ingredient transcends cultural boundaries to create nutritious and delicious meals. Have you tried any of these international masoor dal creations yet?
