Karalahana çorbası

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Karalahana Çorbası is a traditional soup from the Black Sea Region with kale as the primary ingredient. The name "karalahana" directly translates to "black cabbage" in Turkish, referring to the kale used in this dish. Apart from kale, the typical recipe also includes ingredients such as white beans, corn, onion, tallow/butter, and is seasoned with spices like red pepper flakes, red pepper paste, black pepper, and salt. Meat, such as beef or lamb, can also be added, although the soup is traditionally vegetarian. Some recipes incorporate cornmeal or flour mixed with water to make the soup richer and creamy in texture. Regional varieties exist; the best-known are the ones from the cities of Ordu, Giresun, Rizu, and Gümüşhane. This soup is typically enjoyed during the colder months, providing warmth and nutrition. It's a perfect example of Turkish regional cuisine's ability to highlight local ingredients in simple yet delicious dishes.