Oil-Free Red Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 300 g (1½ cups) red lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin and 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1.5 litres (6 cups) water or oil-free stock
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Cook the onion and carrots in a pot with a splash of water for 5 minutes, adding water a spoonful at a time if they stick.
2. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste and spices for a minute.
3. Add the lentils and water and simmer 20 to 25 minutes until they fall apart.
4. Blend half for a creamy texture, season and finish with lots of lemon.

Tip. Many stock cubes contain oil or fat. Water with a little extra spice works perfectly.