Çorba (the Turkish word for “soup”) was a staple in every exchange student’s diet while we were in Istanbul.  Every morning early afternoon, when the realization that playing dress up like rock stars had emptied our bank accounts, we would meander to the student center for a piping hot styrofoam cup of çorba.  Never quite able to make out what the speed-talking cashier called each different kind, we would silently point — green or orange — and hand over our lira coins.  Ignoring the swirls of melted styrofoam, we sipped, enveloped in the bold spices and creamy, light texture, until we felt less like death.

So, this week, I decided to make a çorba of my own.  Since we are a food processor-less kitchen, I decided to make sweet potato soup (tatlı patates çorbası); I figured that the texture of the cooked potatoes would allow me to get away with using a masher and hand mixer.  While it would have been creamer if blended, the soup turned out delicious.  Sweet and tart, and quite filling, this is a soup that I will absolutely make again, as a quick and healthy weeknight meal.

Hayriye’s Turkish Food and Recipes is a new find for me, but it is already my favorite resource for Turkish cooking.  With probably hundreds of delicious looking recipes, Hayriye’s is a must-see if you’re in the mood for Turkish food.

Tatlı Patates Çorbası (Sweet Potato Soup)

Recipes adapted from Hayriye’s Turkish Food and Recipe.

2-3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 teaspoons ground cumin

3-5 cups chicken broth (the more broth, the thinner your soup)

1 ½ cups yogurt

2 tablespoons parsley/cilantro, chopped (optional, I chose to do without)

Warm a large pan over medium heat and add olive oil and cumin.  Once the oil is hot, saute onions for three or four minutes.

Add the sweet potatoes and chicken broth.  Simmer for twenty to twenty five minutes.

When time is up, blend the contents of your pan.  Add the greek yogurt (and parsley/cilantro, if you choose to include them) and mix well.

Add your spices and enjoy!