Red Lentil Soup Recipe 455

Steps:

• Combine the lentils, garlic, chile, ginger, onions, tomatoes and enough water to cover in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then lower the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Whisk the cooked lentils to release some of their starch and break them down further.
• Warm the oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook until they are sizzling and spluttering. Stir in the paprika and turmeric. Pour the seasoned oil onto the lentils (be prepared for a big sizzle). Stir to combine; sprinkle with salt and a small drizzle of honey. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with cilantro, a drizzle of yogurt, lemon or lime wedges.

Steps:

• Cook onion in oil with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes.
• Add garlic, cumin, bay leaf, and thyme and cook, stirring, 1 minute more. Add lentils, broth, water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until lentils are very soft and falling apart, about 30 to 45 minutes.
• Discard bay leaf and thyme sprig, then purée 2 cups of mixture in blender (use caution when blending hot liquids) and return to pan.
• Stir in parsley and season with salt.

Steps:

• In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and basil; cook for 2 minutes.
• Stir in lentils, and add water and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve stir in spinach, and cook until it wilts. Stir in vinegar, and season to taste with salt and pepper, and more vinegar if desired.