Spicy Tomato and Lentil Soup
Description
A quick, easy and tasty recipe for thick lentil soup. Serve with thickly sliced crusty bread for a filling and delicious meal.
Ingredients
•
1 onion, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 chile pepper, chopped
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1 cup red lentils
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1 (14 1/2 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes
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1 cup water
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salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/4 cup sour cream, for topping
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2 sprigs fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Lightly brown the onions in the oil. Add the tomatoes, chili pepper, lentils, cumin and basil to the pan along with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
2
When the lentils have softened, use a stick blender to puree the soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. For a special touch, put sour cream in a squirt bottle, and squeeze a spiral onto the top of each bowl of soup, and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.