Yayla Çorbasi

🥣 Yayla Çorbası – A Comforting Taste of North Cyprus

Yayla Çorbası, also known as Highland Soup, is one of the most beloved traditional soups in North Cyprus and Turkey. This creamy yogurt and rice soup, delicately flavoured with mint and butter, is a staple in Cypriot households — especially during the cooler months. Light yet filling, it perfectly captures the Mediterranean balance of health and comfort.

In North Cyprus, Yayla Çorbası is often served as a starter at family gatherings, restaurants, and special occasions. Its smooth texture, tangy yogurt flavour, and the fragrance of dried mint make it a heartwarming dish that feels like home in every spoonful.
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🥗Ingredients for Yayla Çorbası (Serves 4–6)

• 1 litre water or chicken stock
• ½ cup rice (short-grain or medium-grain)
• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon dried mint
• Salt to taste

Optional:
• A pinch of black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation

☕ Cook the Rice
• In a medium-sized pot, bring the water or chicken stock to a boil.
• Add the rice and a small pinch of salt.
• Simmer gently until the rice becomes soft and slightly overcooked (about 15 minutes).

🥣 Prepare the Yogurt Mixture
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, egg yolk, and flour until smooth.
• Gradually add a ladle of hot broth from the rice pot into the yogurt mixture to temper it — this helps prevent curdling.

♨️ Combine and Simmer
• Slowly pour the yogurt mixture into the pot with the rice, stirring constantly.
• Cook on low heat, stirring often, until the soup thickens slightly and becomes creamy. Do not let it boil • vigorously or the yogurt may separate.

🍳Prepare the Mint Butter
• In a small pan, melt the butter and add the dried mint (and optionally, a pinch of red pepper flakes).
• Let it sizzle for 20–30 seconds, releasing its aroma.

🫗Add the Finishing Touch
• Pour the mint butter into the soup, stir gently, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Serve warm, garnished with an extra drizzle of mint butter if desired.
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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Yayla Çorbası is best enjoyed as a starter before grilled meats or traditional Cypriot dishes like Şiş Kebab or Seftali Kebab. It pairs beautifully with fresh bread, olives, and a simple salad on the side.

It’s also a comforting meal on its own — perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather or just need something soothing and nutritious.
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📝 Tips for the Perfect Yayla Çorbası

• Use full-fat yogurt for a richer texture and better stability when heated.
• Always temper the yogurt before adding it to the soup to prevent curdling.
• For a lighter version, replace butter with olive oil.
• Add a handful of fresh dill for a Cypriot twist.
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✨Yayla Çorbası in North Cyprus Culture

In North Cyprus, this dish is cherished not just for its flavour but also for its nourishing qualities. Locals believe the combination of yogurt and mint aids digestion and boosts the immune system — making it a popular choice during cold seasons.

Many Cypriot families prepare Yayla Çorbası using homemade yogurt from local farms, giving the soup a distinctly fresh, tangy taste that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.