Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Step 1

Place the lentils and rice in a sieve, rinse well and allow to drain.

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy four-quart saucepan. Add the onion, and saute until soft but not brown. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato, paprika and cayenne pepper. Add the lentils, rice and stock. Stir well, and simmer, covered, 30 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the lentils have virtually dissolved into a puree. Stir from time to time.

Step 3

Add salt to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a little water.

Step 4

Serve each portion sprinkled with mint leaves and croutons, with lemon wedges and yogurt on the side.