“Hot” Brown Lentils and Vegetable Soup

"Hot" Brown Lentils and Vegetable Soup

Serves 5

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups of brown lentils, precooked with a pinch of salt
2 Tbsp of cooking oil
1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp onion seeds
Pinch of hing and black pepper
1/4 tsp cumin powder
1 red hot chilies (optional), swap for bell pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 medium-size carrot, chunks
1 fresh tomato, chunks
1-inch fresh ginger
1/2 veg stock cube
1 tsp of cornstarch
1 big handful of fresh green beans, cut into 3
1 handful of broccoli, chunks
Salt to taste

For serving: Fresh Cilantro (finely chop), olive oil and, lime.

1. Cook lentils according to packages instructions with a bit of salt.
2. Chop and prepare the vegetables. 
3. In a blender, add carrot, ginger, tomato, veg stock, cornstarch, salt, and 500ml of water. Blend until smooth.
4. In a big pot, heat the oil and add the dried spices. Follow by red chili, garlic, and celery, and some salt. Saute for at least 7 min.
5. Add the blended vegetables (pure), bring to boil. Cook for 5min.
6. Add 1 liter of boiling water to the pot, allow to reach boiling temperature. Cook for 5 min.
7. Add broccoli and green beans. Cook for 10 min.
8. Strain part of the water of the lentils out and add the rest to the big soup pot. Cook for another 5 to 10 min. Check salt and add more water if needed.
9. Turn off the stove, cover the pot, and allow the soup to rest for 10min before serving.