Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1 tsp oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 3 to 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1 jalapeno (minced (optional))
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp oregano and thyme
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne or chipotle pepper powder or both
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup red lentils (quick cooking lentils - masoor dal, washed and drained)
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 2 large tomatoes (finely chopped, or 1.5 cup crushed tomatoes from a can)
  • 1 to 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 to 1 cup water or broth
  • 1/2 tsp or more salt
  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • Crumbled tortilla chips for garnish (avocado and other garnishes and lime juice)

Instruction

  • Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes Add jalapeno, bell peppers and mix and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the spices and herbs and mix in. Add a pinch of allspice or loves for additional flavor if you wish. Add the washed and drained lentils and water and cook for 11 to 12 minutes or until al dente.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients, mix well. Add other additions such as 1/2 cup corn or cooked black beans or other beans, veggies, some chopped up corn tortilla at this point. (I make the soup with or without beans , pictured without beans). Cook for 10 minutes or until desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and heat.
  • Add a dash of lime juice, garnish with chips, avocado, cilantro. See IP instructions in Notes.