This delicious and earthy soup tastes so good on cold winter days.

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. lentils

1 medium white onion finely diced

2 cloves of garlic crushed

6 cups vegetable stock more if needed

2-tablespoon tomato paste

1 bay leaf and 1 sprig of thyme

1 red chili pepper

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Chopped parsley for garnish

STEPS:

First, wash the lentils very well under cold tap water.

In large pot place the lentils, thyme, bay leaf, the onion, garlic and the stock over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stir well.  

Reduce the heat to low, and then add the tomato paste, the chili pepper, salt and pepper.

Cover and let simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy and overcooked.

Garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve immediately with a drizzle of olive oil.