Red Lentil Soup

This is the simplest of soups, is very flavoursome, high in fibre, and really nourishing to eat. Because it’s a high-protein meal, it will fill you up.

Ingredients

1 pack (about 500g) red lentils

1 small red onion

2 sticks celery

2 cloves garlic

1 leek

1 carrot

1 large sweet potato

1.5 litres vegetable stock (or chicken stock)

Instructions

• Step 1 Chop and peel vegetables. Wash lentils. Put all the ingredients in a pot. Bring to the boil (watch that it doesn't boil over as lentils foam when boiling), turn down heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Step 2 Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before puréeing. We used a stick blender for speed and convenience, but you can use a regular blender or food processor.

Variation For an Asian influence, add coconut milk, chilli and a lemongrass stick. (Add coconut milk at end and bring back to heat, taking care not to boil, otherwise it will curdle.)