Journal

Store Cupboard Lentil Soup

When you come home from some time away and you haven't had time to go to the shops it is nice to have a good hearty soup recipe that can be made from store cupboard ingredients.

This is my go to recipe. It is also a great cheap and easy lunch to rustle up for unexpected guests.

Store cupboard ginger and lentil soup.

Ingredients

• 250g red lentils
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• chunk of ginger grated (about 5 cm)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 litre of stock (stock cube or bouillon powder is fine)
• 2 tins of tomatoes
• Coriander and yoghurt to serve (optional)

Gently fry the onion in the oil until soft, then add the grated ginger and spices - keep stirring to make sure it doesn't burn at this point - you want the spices to cook slightly - if it is sticking then add a glug of water to the pan.

Add the lentils and stir so they are coated in the spicy onion mix, then add enough stock to cover the lentils.

Simmer until lentils are cooked - this depends on how old the lentils are 15-30 minutes should do it though. Add the tomatoes.

Simmer for another 5 minutes then blend the soup until smooth.

Add some chopped coriander and yoghurt if you happen to have them

Serve.