Halal Turkish Lentil and Vegetable Soup (Ezogelin)

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk (chopped)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp mint (dried)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, salt, black pepper
• Lemon wedges, fresh mint

1. 1Heat oil. Sauté onion, carrot and celery until soft. Add tomato paste and spices.
2. 2Add lentils and 5-6 cups water. Bring to boil then simmer 30-35 min until lentils break down.
3. 3Blend partially for creaminess if desired. Adjust seasoning.
4. 4Serve with lemon wedges and fresh mint.

Nutrition values are estimates.