---
title: Lebeni Soup
slug: lebeni-soup-88e6f
url: /detay/lebeni-soup-88e6f
type: article
language: English
entity:
  primary: Lebeni Soup
  type: article
  disambiguation: Refreshing Lebeni Soup: Şanlıurfa's cold yogurt soup with cracked wheat & chickpeas.  A summer staple!
  categories:
    - name: Gastronomy
      slug: gastronomi
      url: /kategori/gastronomi
  tags:
    - Cracked Wheat
    - Chickpeas
    - Soup
    - Yoğurt
    - Şanlıurfa
author: Sevgi Kıraç
created_at: 2025-05-19T22:12:07.178707+03:00
updated_at: 2025-05-20T18:32:54.602522+03:00
image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/05/19/W4Nb47tvPxBH2LsFGJM3yqocZVbYiI0F.png
---

# Lebeni Soup

<!-- CONTEXT: KURE Information Cards for "Lebeni Soup" -->

## KURE Information Cards

### KURE Information Card: Lebeni Soup

![WhatsApp Görsel 2025-05-05 saat 16.41.50_b139cf29.jpg](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/05/19/c7l6c8f2cv14awcdm6SLcRff7pjHUmqG.jpg)

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Dish Type | Cold soup / Traditional yogurt-based dish |
| Mode of Consumption | Served cold (optionally hot) |
| Etymology(s) | it refers to dishes made with yogurt.,meaning milk,The term Lebeni is derived from the Arabic word “leben” |
| Region(s) | Şanlıurfa,Southeastern Anatolia Region |

<!-- CONTEXT: Article Content for "Lebeni Soup" -->

## Article Content

[Lebeni soup](/en/detay/urfa-lebenisi-0e4af/llms.txt) is a cold yogurt-based soup that is indigenous to the [Şanlıurfa](/en/detay/sanliurfa-province-1ab30/llms.txt) region in southeastern Türkiye. The name derives from the Arabic word *leben*, meaning “milk,” and *Lebeni* refers to dishes made with yogurt. Particularly favored during the summer months, this soup is known for its refreshing and easily digestible qualities. The basic ingredients include yogurt, [cracked wheat](/en/detay/diyarbakir-gendume-asi-1fdb6/llms.txt) (*dövme*), chickpeas, and salt. Traditionally, full-fat yogurt made from the milk of Ivesi breed sheep, native to the region, is used in Şanlıurfa.

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/19/PKzB9qszwzM83mjFdFw6b1NhxHOHfkSN.png)
*Lebeni Soup (Generated with AI Support)*

### **Preparation and Ingredients**

#### **Ingredients**

Although minor variations exist between recipes, the primary components typically include:

- ½ cup chickpeas (approx. 100 g)
- 1 cup cracked wheat (*dövme*) (approx. 250 g)
- 5 cups of water
- 1–2 kg yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

#### **Cooking Process**

Chickpeas and cracked wheat are soaked overnight to soften. The following day, they are thoroughly cooked in a pressure cooker or a regular pot. Separately, yogurt, salt, and optionally one egg are whisked together. To avoid curdling, continuous stirring is essential during this step. The yogurt mixture is gradually added to the boiling chickpeas and wheat blend. After a brief boiling period, the soup is removed from the heat.

Although traditionally served cold in the Şanlıurfa region, some preparations serve the dish hot, garnished with mint and red pepper flakes sautéed in oil. When served cold, it is typically consumed as a starter before the main meal.

### **Cultural and Geographical Context**

Lebeni soup holds a deep-rooted place within Şanlıurfa’s culinary tradition. Having been prepared for centuries, the soup remains a staple in both rural and urban kitchens. Cracked wheat and chickpeas are agricultural staples of the region, and the local production of yogurt plays a significant role in shaping the dish’s flavor profile.

### **Regional Characteristics**

In Şanlıurfa, lebeni is customarily made with yogurt derived from Ivesi sheep, a native breed known for its rich and aromatic milk. As in many dishes of [Urfa cuisine](/en/detay/urfa-liver-kebab-2bee5/llms.txt), the emphasis lies on using natural, locally sourced ingredients.

<!-- CONTEXT: Academic Sources and References for "Lebeni Soup" -->

## Academic Sources and References

1. Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality. “Lebeni.” Official Website of Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality. Accessed May 2, 2025.https://www.sanliurfa.bel.tr/icerik/3754/55/lebeni-
2. Şanlıurfa Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Urfa Lebenisi.” Turkey Culture Portal. Accessed May 2, 2025.https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/sanliurfa/neyenir/urfa-lebenisi--sanliurfa-lebenisi-