Take Out Lentil Soup With Garlic And Cumin Food

SPICED CARROT & LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat a large saucepan and dry-fry 2 tsp cumin seeds and a pinch of chilli flakes for 1 min, or until they start to jump around the pan and release their aromas.
• Scoop out about half with a spoon and set aside. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, 600g coarsely grated carrots, 140g split red lentils, 1l hot vegetable stock and 125ml milk to the pan and bring to the boil.
• Simmer for 15 mins until the lentils have swollen and softened.
• Whizz the soup with a stick blender or in a food processor until smooth (or leave it chunky if you prefer).
• Season to taste and finish with a dollop of plain yogurt and a sprinkling of the reserved toasted spices. Serve with warmed naan breads.

VEGAN CUMIN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Pour the lentils on a cookie sheet and pick them over, removing any pebbles or debris. Pour the lentils into a strainer and rinse thoroughly. Set aside while you chop the vegetables.
• Heat the oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano and basil. Stir to combine and let the vegetable sweat (to release moisture) for about 10 minutes, or until the onions begin to soften. If they start turning brown, back off on the heat.
• Add the cumin, bay leaves, lentils and water. Stir well and turn up the heat. When the soup comes to a boil, turn it down to very low heat, cover and let simmer for 35 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaves. Either use an immersion blender to lightly puree the soup, or scoop out a few cups and puree in a food processor or blender and return to the pot. Keep pureeing until you reach a desired consistency.
• Add more salt and pepper to taste per bowl. The flavors meld very well overnight, so don't over-salt the pot.