Red Lentil & Spinach Soup

How to make a Red Lentil and Spinach Soup.

Ingredients: Serves 4-6

• 2 ½ cups red split lentils
• 10 cups water
• 2 carrots, grated,
• 1 sweet potato, grated
• 2 tablespoons miso paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 sweet onions
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 cups spinach leaves, chopped
• ½ cup dill, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Tiny sprinkle of cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Garnish: fresh dill or cilantro, chopped

Method:

1. Wash the lentils in a sieve with plenty of cold water.
2. Place in a large pot with the water, bring to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook for about 25-30 minutes until the lentils are soft.
3. Using a slotted spoon remove about half the lentils from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the grated carrots and grated sweet potatoes to the lentil and water pot, and continue to simmer for about 5 more minutes.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Add the miso paste to the pot, and with an immersion blender process until smooth.
7. In another large pot, on medium-high heat, sauté the onions in olive oil until soft and golden.
8. Add the garlic and sauté for one more minute.
9. Add the spinach, dill, cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper, and sauté until the spinach wilts.
10. Add to the onion pot the lentils, carrot and sweet potato puree and the boiled, unprocessed lentils you set aside, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
11. Add salt and pepper to taste.
12. Taste and correct seasoning.
13. Garnish with a spinkle of herbs and serve with a nice loaf of fresh crusty bread.