Red Lentil Soup

Here is a great simple lentil soup. I was luck enough to have some paprika my in-laws brought back from Isreal, which added a nice touch, you can use Turkish paprika instead.


Red Lentil Soup 
olive oil
1 medium onion, diced 
1 - 2 celery stalks, diced 
1 carrot, diced 3 - 4 cloves garlic, diced 
1 - 2 tsp cumin 
1 - 2 tsp peprika 
2 bay leaves 
1 cup red lentils 
4 cups stock or water 
Salt and pepper to taste 


 Prepare the veggies. Then sauté in a large pot with a touch of oil and salt.


 


 After about 7 minutes, as the begin to soften add the garlic and cook another minute.


 


 Then add the spices, cook another minute and add the lentils and water.




 


 Cook over medium heat about 30 minutes until the lentils are soft. Then purée in a blender or use an 
immersion blender.





Season with salt and pepper. To serve top with a splash of hot sauce.