Lentil And Tomato Soup

OK, bit of a cheat here!

I love sundried tomatoes, the flavour is so intense! By using them here you get a full on tomato flavour in a very hearty soup.

This recipe does make loads of soup, feel free to half but I make this quantity and freeze half for another day!

Serves 12-14.

Ingredients

60mls olive oil

2 onions, peeled and roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped

150g, drained weight, sundried tomatoes in oil

pinch of chilli flakes

2 tablespoons ground coriander

450g red lentils, rinsed

750mls passata

2.2 litres vegetable stock

4 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper

Method

In a large stock pot or pan, heat the oil and gently cook the onions.

Once translucent, add the garlic and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.

Add the sundried tomatoes, chilli and coriander, stir through.

Add the lentils, passata, stock, tomato paste and vinegar. Combine well and bring up to a gentle simmer.

Simmer the soup for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to stop it sticking to the pan.

Allow to cool slightly and then using a stick blender, blend the soup.

Season well.