Yayla çorbası is a classic Turkish comfort dish made with yogurt, rice, and dried mint. Light, creamy, and gently tangy, this humble Turkish yogurt and rice soup holds a special place in Turkish home cooking. Families often serve it as a starter, a light meal, or a soothing dish when the weather turns cold. Because it feels easy on the stomach, many people also enjoy it when they want something simple and nourishing.
What makes yayla çorbası unique is its balance. Yogurt gives the soup its signature tang, while rice adds body without heaviness. Butter and dried mint finish the soup with a warm, aromatic note. The result is a smooth texture and clean flavor that feels both refreshing and comforting.
This Turkish yogurt and rice soup relies on basic ingredients and careful technique rather than complexity. Cooks slowly heat the yogurt mixture to prevent curdling, then simmer the rice until tender. This method creates a creamy soup without cream. Because of this, yayla çorba remains light yet satisfying.
People traditionally serve this soup hot, often with bread on the side. Some add a spoon of extra melted butter or chili flakes for more depth. Whether served as part of a full meal or enjoyed on its own, this humble soup delivers warmth, simplicity, and tradition in every bowl.
If you like recipes with yogurt, you can also check out Turkish cacık recipe, which is a refreshing side-dish made with yogurt.
If you enjoy making soups, this Italian Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a delicious and nutritious option. It’s easy to prepare and a great way to use leftover pasta.
Watch the recipes in action on the FırınForno YouTube channel and follow FırınForno on Instagram for daily posts!
Yayla Çorbası (Turkish Yogurt and Rice Soup)
Course: MainCuisine: TurkishDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes30
minutes140
kcalIngredients
1 lt water
30 g medium grain rice
Salt to taste
200 ml yogurt
1 egg
15 g flour
2 tbsp butter
Dried mint
Directions
- Wash the rice.
- Put water and rice in a pot, boil until rice is almost cooked.
- Prepare the liaison (binding mix): In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, egg, flour. (This mix will act as your “liaison” – a binding agent that will give the soup its creamy body and texture.)
- Temper the liaison: Slowly add a few spoonful of hot rice water into the yogurt-egg-flour mix while whisking constantly. It gradually raises the temperature of the liaison so the egg doesn’t cook too quickly.
- Slowly pour the tempered mix back into the pot with the rice, whisking gently.
- Keep the heat low to medium – do not let it boil.
- Stir constantly until the soup thickens slightly and becomes silky.
- In a small pan, melt butter and add dried mint. Let it sizzle gently.
- Pour the mint butter over the soup as a final aromatic touch.
Recipe Video
Watch the recipes in action on the FırınForno YouTube channel and follow FırınForno on Instagram for daily posts!