Extracts from Nature

Hearty Lentil Soup

Lentils make an excellent base for a nourishing soup. Make a meal of this with plenty of wholemeal bread, or serve in smaller portions as a first course. Vary the vegetables according to what is available, but do include some root vegetables which give the mixture a robust quality. Vegan.

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped
2tbsp sunflower oil
2 carrots, chopped
2 medium potatoes, chopped
2 sticks celery, diced
4oz/l00g broccoli, broken into small florets
4oz/l00g red lentils
2tsp miso
1pint/600ml vegetable stock
14oz tin chopped tomatoes
1tsp thyme

salt and pepper

Method

1. Fry the onion in the oil until just soft. Next add the vegetables and mix well.
Cook over a low heat for 10 minutes.

2. Add the lentils and cook for 2-3 minutes.

3. Dissolve the miso in the vegetable stock. Pour this over the vegetables and add the tomatoes and thyme.
Bring to the boil, then simmer, covered, for 1-1½ hours. Season to taste and serve piping hot.

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