Halal Gluten Free Turkish Mercimek Soup Red Lentil Recipe

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth or water
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp each: cumin, paprika, dried mint
• ½ tsp chili flakes or Aleppo pepper
• Fresh lemon wedges and parsley
• Salt and black pepper

1. 1Heat oil in a pot. Sauté onion and carrot for 5 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 2 minutes.
2. 2Add lentils, spices, and broth. Bring to boil, then simmer 25-30 minutes until lentils disintegrate.
3. 3Blend with immersion blender for smooth texture. Adjust seasoning.
4. 4Serve with lemon juice, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil or chili oil.

Nutrition values are estimates.