A delicious warming soup
- oil of choice
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 250 g split red lentils washed
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 2 litres water
- 500 g carrots grated
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- salt to taste
- *Optional Toppings of choice to serve:
- Try yogurt or cream drizzle, fresh herbs, nuts, seeds, croutons or grated cheese
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In a large pan, heat/melt your oil and add the chopped onion. Cook until starting to brown, then add the garlic and cook for a minute before stirring in the lentils.
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Stir the tomato puree in and cook for a minute, then add the water. Give a quick stir to mix in, then cover and allow to cook for 15 minutes.
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Add the carrots, mixing to combine, then add the bay leaves, paprika, cumin, black pepper (& salt if using). Mix, cover and leave on a low heat for a further 15 minutes.
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Check if more water is needed (you can change the consistency to suit) whilst it is cooking.
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Do a taste test and add more spices or seasonings if required.
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If you want the lentils softer, a smoother consistency or the flavours to develop more, continue to cook for a further 30 minutes on a low heat, checking the water level often.
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Remove from the heat and serve plain or with your choice of toppings.
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Enjoy!
