Red lentil and carrot soup
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped finely
2 carrots, diced
1 bay leaf
500ml (18 fl oz) hot vegetable stock made with a stock cube
100g (3 1/2 oz) red lentils, washed
1. Heat the oil and fry the onion, carrots and bay leaf for a few minutes.
2. Stir in the hot vegetable stock with the lentils. Return to the boil, cover and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes until the lentils are soft and mushy.
3. Stir well and mash the lentils a little with a large spoon (or I just whizz it in the blender). Add more hot water if necessary.
If liked you can top with a little chopped fresh coriander and/or creme fraiche.