Arpa Şehriye Çorbası, or Turkish Orzo Soup, is a comforting and delicious tomato-based soup made with orzo pasta, and chicken stock, and flavored with garlic, mint, and flaked chili. This Turkish favorite is super easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and works beautifully as a quick starter or a light, comforting meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl!
Şehriyeli Çorba has been a staple in Turkish kitchens for decades. It’s a go-to dish especially when you need something easy to whip up after a busy day, or when someone feels under the weather.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.
- Orzo pasta - This small, rice-shaped pasta is the main ingredient that gives Sehriye Corbasi its texture and substance. If you’re curious about other ways to use orzo, take a look at my Orzo Pasta Salad, Youvetsi - Greek Beef and Orzo Stew, and Turkish Rice Pilaf (Sehriyeli Pilav) recipes for more ideas!
- Chicken stock - Homemade Easy Chicken Stock (Bone Broth) provides a richer taste but store-bought good quality stock or vegetable stock would also work great with this soup.
- Tomato paste - It is the staple of Turkish cooking. It gives a deeper flavor and richer color to orzo soup. You can buy tomato paste in Turkish or Middle Eastern shops or buy it online from Amazon .
- Pepper paste - Turkish red pepper paste is a rich, delicious paste made with juicy, spicy red peppers that I use often in my Turkish recipes. You can buy it from Turkish or Middle Eastern shops or online from Amazon.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic is a great flavoring that adds sweetness and depth to this comforting soup. Use a Mortar and Pestle to turn it into a paste or grate it using a Microplane Zester Grater.
- Butter - I used good quality butter for sautéing and enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Make Şehriye Çorbası - Turkish Orzo Soup?
Making this delicious and comforting Turkish Orzo Soup - Arpa Sehriyeli Corba is extremely easy. However, there are a few simple steps to follow for you to achieve the best results:
Heat butter or olive oil in a pot. Add chopped garlic, tomato paste, red pepper paste, salt, freshly ground black pepper, turmeric, chili, and dried mint.
Saute for a few minutes to reduce acidity and deepen the flavor.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, add the whole shallot or onion, stir well to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the orzo to the boiling soup. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add chopped parsley, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve with plenty of lemon juice to add brightness.
Recipe Tips From the Chef
- Stir frequently during cooking to ensure the orzo doesn’t clump together.
- Add more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick as the orzo cooks.
- Şehriyeli Çorba is best enjoyed fresh, as orzo tends to absorb liquid and thicken the soup upon standing.
- The amount of salt stated in the recipe is for homemade stock. Use less salt if you are using store-bought stock as they already contain some salt.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftover Arpa Şehriye Çorbası can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore the soup's original consistency. Avoid overcooking the orzo during reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers in airtight containers for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
My favorite way to serve Şehriye Çorbası is to serve it alongside some crusty Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread or Barbari Bread - Persian Flatbread for dipping. It also pairs perfectly with some delicious Kol Boregi - Turkish Arm Borek!
You can add cooked shredded chicken or sauteed ground meat to turn the soup into a complete meal or complement it with a bowl of Beetroot and Feta Salad or Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini with Red Onions for a healthy meal.
Related Recipes
For more delicious and healthy soup recipes why not try:
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.
I hope you enjoy the process of making this delicious Şehriye Çorbası - Turkish Orzo Soup recipe as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂
Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!
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Arpa Şehriye Çorbası - Turkish Orzo Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 25 g butter or olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 shallot or small onion (optional)
- ½ cup orzo
- 1300 ml chicken stock or vegetable stock
- lemon juice and parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter or olive oil in a pot. Add chopped garlic, tomato paste, red pepper paste, salt, freshly ground black pepper, turmeric, chili, and dried mint. Saute for a few minutes to reduce acidity and deepen the flavor.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, stir well to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the orzo to the boiling soup. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add chopped parsley, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve with plenty of lemon juice to add brightness.
Notes
- Stir frequently during cooking to ensure the orzo doesn’t clump together.
- Add more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick as the orzo cooks.
- The soup is best enjoyed fresh, as orzo tends to absorb liquid and thicken the soup upon standing.
- The amount of salt stated in the recipe is for homemade stock. Reduce the amount of salt if you are using store-bought stock as they already contain some salt.
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