BABAJANs Red Lentil 'Mercimek' Soup

Ingredients

1 cup red lentils (washed and drained)

1 onion (finely diced)

1 carrot (grated)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon crushed pepper (marash)

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon salca paste

2 tablespoons dried mint

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons olive oil

5 cups water or chicken stock

2 tablespoons butter/olive oil

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Method

1. Take a large pan, add olive oil and chopped onions. Saute onion for 2 minutes on medium heat, then add carrots until gently soften.
Season with salt.

2. Add marash, mint, salca paste, tomato paste, paprika and ground cumin. Saute for a few minutes then add red lentils, combine well.

3. Add chicken stock of water and salt, bring to the boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes.

4. Cook on medium heat for about 30 to 40 minutes until the lentils are soft. Remove from heat.
Finish with lemon juice and check seasoning.

5. Transfer the soup to a bowl, garnish with simit crumbs and yoghurt.

Serve the red lentil soup hot. Enjoy!!!