Red Lentil Soup

This soup is a traditional Turkish soup that is a staple of most restaurants and meals. It is very easy to make and requires no skill whatsoever. This version is more healthy and heartier than the restaurant version which excludes the carrots and tomato sauce. It's very tasty and is often served with flakes of dried red pepper to add a bit of spice. Lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil also greatly improve the taste.

2 cups red lentils

6 cups water

1 onion

1-2 cloves garlic

2 carrots

1 tablespoon tomato paste or more if using tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

Rinse the lentils until water flows clear out the bottom. Grate the carrots and chop the onion and garlic.

Put the lentils and water in a pan and add the carrots, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, salt and olive oil. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Blend with a soup blender until smooth.

Drizzle olive oil on top and garnish with a slice of lemon.