Spiced Red Lentil Soup

In this Turkish recipe the garnishes are vital, onion, parsley and lemon may be placed in a separate bowl for adding as required.

Ingredients

Serves 2-3

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 large onion finely chopped

1 tbsp garlic ginger paste

1 fresh red chili chopped

2 tsp cumin seeds

2 tsp coriander seeds

1 carrot finely chopped

1 tsp sugar

1 tbsp tomato puree

100g split red lentils  - washed

1 vegetable stock cube

Ground black pepper

Salt to taste

For garnishing

1 small red onion finely chopped

Bunch of parsley finely chopped

1 fresh red chili finely chopped

1 tbsp lemon juice

Method

Heat oil in a pan, sauté onion, red chilli and garlic ginger for 2 minutes. Add red lentils, soup cube, tomato puree, 1 bowl of water stir well and bring to boil till lentils are soft.

Separately in a mortar grind cumin and coriander to powder. Add ground mixture and carrots to simmering soup and mix well.

When lentils are cooked, add sugar, salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle the soup in bowls garnish with chopped onion, red chilli, parsley, and sprinkle lemon juice.