Deliciously Hot Lentil and Tomato Soup

This lentil soup is a great starter or lunch meal, as it is both hearty and light. I absolutely love lentils and I think that they are great at filling you up and taste so good!

Ingredients 

(Serves 2 -3) 

• 1 onion
• 1 clove of garlic 
• 4-5 medium sized tomatoes (you can use canned chopped tomatoes but I find using fresh ones gives a much better and sweeter taste)
• 1 packet truvia/ stevia 
• 1 1/2 tbs of tomato puree 
• 80g of red lentils (dry weight) + 700ml of water 
• 1 vegetable stock  + 500ml of water 
• 1tbs of garam masala 
• 1 tsp of cumin 
• 1 tsp of chili powder (adjust to your specified spiciness!)
• salt and pepper to taste 
• Optional: A handful of basil leaves (however even though I love tomato and basil, I have found this recipe works a bit better without it) 

Method

1. Put both the lentils and 700ml of water into a pan and cook for 25 - 35mins (until soft and mushy)
2. Make up the vegetable broth with the stock cube and water 
3. Meanwhile chop the onions and tomatoes and mince the garlic 
4. Saute the onions and garlic in 3tbs of vegetable broth for 3mins 
5. Add the spices and sauté for a further minute 
6. Add all the other ingredients and (as the lentils are already cooked) cook for around 5mins 
7. Serve with watercress, basil or coriander to garnish