Egyptian red lentil & vegetable soup

Directions
Preparation:20min  ›  Cook:35min  ›  Extra time:5min  ›  Ready in:1hour 

1. In a large pan/boiler add the olive oil & warm over low heat until the oil is hot but not smoking, add in the spices & cook off till fragrance is released. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes (be careful not to scorch the spices).
2. Add the onions & garlic & toss till coated in oil & spice mix
3. When onion is softened & translucent add other vegies & coat with oil/spice mix
4. Toss vegies for ~2 minutes then add stock & bring to simmer point
5. Add red lentils & stir.
6. Simmer covered, for 30 minutes or until veg & lentils are tender
7. Stir occasionally to prevent soup catching as it thickens.
8. You can puree the soup in batches in a blender OR you can use an immersion blender and blend to desired texture (I like to leave it a little chunky).
9. Add in lemon juice & coriander, stir to combine.
10. Season if needed with salt/pepper.
11. ****If a spicier soup is your ‘thing’ you can add any amount of chopped chilli with the onions & garlic. Enjoy!