Lentil Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon ghee

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 fresh green chilli, chopped

½ teaspoon turmeric

1/3 cup split red lentils (masoor dhal)

1 cup water

Salt, to taste

14 ounce canned tomatoes, chopped

½ tsp sugar

Cooked rice or cooked potatoes, (cut potatoes into bite size pieces)

Lemon juice, to taste

Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped, to garnish

 Method

1. Wash the lentils carefully, discard water, soak lentils in fresh water for 1 hour to soften.
2. Discard water
3. Heat the ghee in a large saucepan and fry the onion, garlic, chilli and turmeric until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the lentils and water and bring to the boil.
5. Reduce the heat, cover and cook until all the water is absorbed.
6. Mash the lentils with the back of a wooden spoon until it become a smooth paste.
7. Add salt to taste and mix well.
8. Add the remaining ingredients and reheat the soup.
9. To provide extra texture, fold in cooked rice or cooked potatoes cut into small cubes.
10. Garnish with coriander (cilantro), and serve hot.