Turkish Tarhana Soup - Tarhana Çorbası

Turkish Tarhana Soup, or Tarhana Çorbası, starts with dried tarhana powder—a fermented blend of flour, yogurt, and vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs. The result is a deliciously rich, tangy soup with a creamy texture, perfect for chilly days or when you want something warm and nourishing.

Tarhana soup is a staple in our home as it’s nutritious, affordable, and quick to make—perfect for busy weeknights. With tarhana powder on hand, all I need to do is add water, simmer, and enjoy a hearty, filling meal.

What is Tarhana Soup Powder?

Tarhana is a dried soup mix made from a fermented blend of flour, yogurt, and vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs. Once the ingredients are mixed and fermented, they’re dried and crumbled into a powder or small pieces, which are then stored for months. This preserved tarhana powder is a perfect pantry staple, ready to be turned into a warm, comforting soup with just water or stock.

The fermentation process gives tarhana its unique tangy flavor, which sets it apart from other soup bases. Each family has its own recipe, so no two batches of tarhana are exactly the same.

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.

• Tarhana powder - The star of the dish, which provides the main flavor and texture. You can make your own with my mom's authentic Homemade Turkish Tarhana Powder recipe or buy it from Turkish grocery shops.

• Water or stock - To rehydrate the tarhana and give the soup its consistency.

• Butter or olive oil - Adds a bit of richness and extra flavour to the soup.

• Vermicelli - It is a short and thin type of pasta that is used for rice dishes or soups in Turkish cuisine. You can buy vermicelli from Amazon as well as from large supermarkets/Turkish shops.

• Tomato paste - It is the staple of Turkish cooking. It gives a deeper flavor and richer color. You can find it in Turkish or Middle Eastern shops or buy it online from Amazon .

• Seasoning - Salt, pepper, paprika, and dried mint add extra flavor to this wholesome soup.

How to Make Turkish Tarhana Soup - Tarhana Çorbası?

Making Turkish Tarhana Soup - Tarhana Corbasi is very easy and straightforward. However, you need to follow a few simple steps to achieve the best results:

In a bowl, combine the tarhana powder with water and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps soften the dried tarhana and makes it easier to dissolve into the soup.

In a pot, melt the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic, tomato paste, salt, paprika, dried mint and cook it for a few minutes to bring out their flavor.

Add the rehydrated tarhana to the pot. Stir well to dissolve any lumps and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tarhana will thicken as it cooks, giving the soup a creamy consistency. If it gets too thick, add a little more water until it reaches your desired texture.

Recipe Tips From the Chef

• If you prefer a thicker soup, use less water, or add more if you like a lighter consistency.

• Try adding crumbled feta, red pepper flakes, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.

• If you don’t have homemade tarhana powder, store-bought is perfectly fine. Many Turkish markets carry tarhana, and it’s also available online.

Variations of Tarhana Soup

Like many traditional recipes, there are several ways to prepare and enjoy tarhana soup. Here are a few popular variations:

Spicy Tarhana Soup

For those who like a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the soup while it cooks. This adds a bit of heat that complements the tanginess of the tarhana.

Meat-Based Tarhana Soup

I sometimes like to add ground meat to make tarhana soup more filling. Sauté the ground meat before adding the tarhana, then cook together until the meat is tender.

Serving Suggestions

Tarhana soup is versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Cheese platter: A small cheese platter with feta, olives, and fresh herbs makes a lovely accompaniment.

Fresh bread: Serve tarhana soup with a side of crusty Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread, Barbari Bread - Persian Flatbread, Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread, or Turkish Pide Bread - Ramazan Pidesi for dipping. Savory pastries such as Kol Boregi - Turkish Arm Borek or Cig Borek - Chebureki are also great accompaniment to Tarhana soup.

Pickles: A plate of Turkish pickles adds a tangy, crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.

Storing and Freezing Tarhana Soup

Tarhana soup stores well, making it a great make-ahead option. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.

• Freeze: Tarhana soup also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Having a batch of tarhana soup in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days when you need a quick and nutritious meal.

Recipe FAQs

Related Recipes

For more delicious Turkish 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 healthy and delicious Turkish Tarhana Soup - Tarhana Çorbası as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂 

Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!