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!

Hummus

Hummus is one of the favourite dip in the Middle East. Usually served with toasted pita bread or with vegetable crudités and makes very good and healthy appetizer or snack.

(Makes about 400g)

Ingredients:

400 gram can of chickpeas

60 ml liquid from can of chickpeas

2 tablespoons tahini

1 garlic clove, minced

5 tablespoons of lemon juice, or more if required

1 teaspoon of cumin

Salt, pepper to taste

2-3 tablespoons of olive oil

½ teaspoon of paprika

1 tablespoon of chopped parsley to garnish

Method:

Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can.

Place chickpeas, liquid, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and cumin to a food processor or blender. Blend for 3-5 minutes or until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer to a serving bowl; create a shallow well in the centre of the hummus and add olive oil. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley.