How to make Lebeniye Soup?
Introduction
Lebeniye Soup is a masterpiece that brings together the yoghurt culture of Anatolia with the unique touches of Antep and offers balanced flavors in a warm and spacious bowl. The soft texture of the chickpeas, the bulgur-saving grains and the silky consistency of the yogurt meet in the same scoop, creating a layered experience on the palate. In this soup, the sweet smell of roasted dried mint and butter rises, while the slightly sour appetite of lemony refreshing yogurt base increases the appetite. When it comes to the table on a winter evening, it both relaxes the stomach and gives the peace of closing the day with a sweet tiredness.
This content, prepared for you, our dear readers, does not only address the “how to” part of the Lebeniye soup, but also the cultural meaning, what should be considered while serving and how it can be adapted to different palates. Lebeniye is seen as a “healing soup” in many homes, because the combination of legumes and grains in it is both satisfying and balanced. It is also ideal for those who are looking for a light start, especially if it is yogurt-based. It is perfect for preparing the stomach before moving on to a meaty main dish on the table, to give a local greeting to the guest and to create an instant warmth with the scent it spreads inside the house.
History & Background
Although the origin of Lebeniye soup is based on traditional soups made with yogurt in and around Gaziantep, it is its granular structure and aromatic oil that separates it. Yogurt soups are known by different names in the Middle East and Anatolian lines; Lebeniye is a special member of this large family in the Southeast. The historical continuity of the use of grain and legumes in the region indicates that the nourishing structure of the soup is not a coincidence. The long-term storage of chickpeas and the easy accessibility of bulgur in daily life have made lebeniye a practical and sustainable option.
Gaziantep cuisine is evident with the use of spices and oil; the mint and butter duo is a typical signature in this soup. Lebeniye, which spread from city cuisine to home kitchen, has often found its place in weddings, holidays or crowded family tables. Today, with the increase in the kitchen transitions between cities, Lebeniye has turned into a well-known and loved flavor throughout the country. If you want to take a look at a general framework about Gaziantep Cuisine, Gaziantep Cuisine article in Wikipedia It will provide a useful start.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
When serving Lebeniye soup, it is important to adjust the temperature well; the very boiling presentation can veil the freshness of the yogurt. In butter that is heated for the topping, mint can be sweetened with very little chili pepper or black pepper, if desired. Next to it is a thin slice of stone oven bread, sometimes pita bread The style is quite harmonious with a soft accompaniment. If you want to diversify on the table, you can pass with a light salad or olive oil at the beginning and then the lebeniye.
On the variation side, some houses prefer small sized rice instead of bulgur; this option offers a more silky texture. Increasing the amount of chickpeas brings the soup closer to a single-score meal, in which case keeping the top oil a little stronger can balance the aroma. For those who want a vegan approach, it is difficult to capture the fermented dairy product profile, which gives the character of the original recipe, although it is possible to approach the texture with the herbal counterparts of yogurt. If you want to browse other local soups on the menu, for comparison Lentil Soup or offering a different experience with its yeast aroma tarhana soup It offers good references.
Health & Benefits
Lebeniye soup provides a feeling of vegetable protein, fiber and long-lasting satiety by meeting the legumes and grains on the same plate. The calcium and some beneficial bacteria offered by yogurt base offer a positive profile, especially in terms of digestion. Calorie control becomes easier when the fat part is set correctly, thus maintaining both flavor and balance. Aromatic herbs like mint add a slightly refreshing flavor, not just fragrance, while the restrained use of spices makes the soup compatible with different palates.
Those who eat gluten-free can preserve the spirit of the recipe by substituting bulgur with rice. Those who want a low-fat approach can reduce butter and use olive oil, but butter, the classic touch of Antep cuisine, leaves a marked mark on the identity of the dish. Adjusting the salt balance to the chickpea boiling water helps control the sodium intake.
Closing + CTA
In short, Lebeniye Soup is a deep flavor that is established with modest ingredients and brings a cultural heritage to the table. It finds its place in every context, from guest tables to daily meals. You can also diversify this rooted recipe with small touches in different seasons by adding it to your repertoire. When you try and customize it according to your taste, you will feel the warmth of Antep in each spoon. Stop by the kitchen now and invite this bowl of hot and long story soup to your table!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What cuisine does Lebeniye soup belong to?
It is a local yogurt soup with local yoghurt, which is known in and around Gaziantep; today it is made throughout Turkey. For more background GAZİANTEP C You can browse the page.
What can I use instead of bulgur?
For a more silky texture, you can choose small sized rice; adjust the fluid balance accordingly as its consistency will increase slightly.
What can be used in the top sauce?
Classic mint-butter is essential. If desired, a difference can be made with light pepper, black pepper or very little lemon zest.
What goes well with it on the side?
hot pita or pita bread, A spacious salad next to it and then a light main course establishes a nice menu balance.
Does lebeniye feed it alone?
It is very satisfying thanks to chickpeas and bulgur; it can be a single plate meal depending on the serving amount.
Ingredients
- 200 g ground beef
- 1 onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons of rice
- 2 cups water (to boil rice)
- 1 cup of boiled chickpeas
- 1.5 liters of water
for his upbringing
- 2 cups of yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 clove of crushed garlic
- ½ lemon juice
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of dried mint
Preparation time ⏱️
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Portion: 8
Recipe
- Knead the minced meat, onion, salt and pepper.
- Roll the meatballs in the size of a marble and dip them in flour.
- Wash the rice and put it in the pot.
- Add water and cook until the rice is soft.
- Add the boiled chickpeas, water and salt and bring to a boil.
- Take the olive oil and butter in the pan.
- Add the meatballs and fry.
- Add the mint last and mix.
- Mix the seasoning ingredients in a bowl.
- Add 2-3 ladles of boiling water to the seasoning and whisk.
- Add the seasoning to the pot slowly and mix.
- Add the meatballs. Boil it and take it off the stove.









