Lentil Soup

This is one of our staple meals, often served up in different forms or variations.  Very filling and nutritious; lentils are full of protein and, when eaten with brown rice, complete protein.  We like this with either rice or quinoa added.

• 2 cups lentils (red, brown, green, or a mix), washed
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• olive oil
• 3-4 carrots, unpeeled but washed, chopped
• chopped green or red peppers or mix of both
• 2-3 potatoes, unpeeled but washed and chopped
• any other vegetables you want to add: beetroot, aubergine, courgettes [zucchini], leeks, etc
• 3 tsp cumin, ground
• 3 tsp coriander, ground
• 2 tsp basil, dried 
• 1 tsp turmeric, ground
• 1/2-2 tsp red chili powder or cayenne, ground
• couple of bay leaves

Stir together, in a big pot on medium heat: all vegetables, olive oil, garlic, spices, herbs, and then lentils.
  

Add 1 pint hot water or vegetable broth.  Stir well and add a 690g jar of tomato passata (pureed tomatoes) OR 2 tins chopped tomatoes. Add water to cover the lentils by at least 3 or 4 inches. 

Leave over medium heat until boiling, then turn down low to simmer until lentils are soft, for about 45 minutes.  Salt and pepper well when soup is thick and soft.  Serve with chopped fresh coriander or basil, rice or quinoa, and spoonfuls of natural yoghurt.