Red Lentil and Chickpea Soup

For the first time since I moved to Ireland (and it will be 6 years in a bit) it's actually a real winter - very cold and very snowy. And when the weather is cold, I crave more for a comfort food – soups, stews - you name it.  So today I would like to share one of my favourite soup recipe, hearty and filling - all you need for the weather like this. Enjoy!

Prep time : 10 min

Cooking time : 25-30 min

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 teaspoon powdered chilli

1 teaspoon powdered cumin

150 g red lentils

800 ml vegetable stock/water

1 can (approx. 400 g) chopped tomatoes

½ can (approx. 200 g) chickpeas

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs, chopped

Method:

In a large pot heat oil; add onion, cumin and chilli. Sauté for 5 min then add stock or water, chopped tomatoes and lentils; bring it to a boil. Reduce heat a little and simmer for 15-20 min or until lentils are softened.

When ready pour into blender or food processor and whizz until it’s a rough puree. Transfer back to the pot, add chickpeas and heat it through and season with salt, pepper.

Serve with fresh herbs.