Carrot and Cumin hearty Soup

This is one of my favourite and easiest soups to serve for the family - not too spicy, perfect for leftovers, satisfying and delicious.  Inspired by a Valli Little recipe.  

Preparation  10 minutes
Cooking        30 minutes of simmering with a stir now and then - easy.
Serves          4 - 6

Ingredients

4 teaspoons cumin seeds - lightly dry roast.  Use 1 teaspoon in the soup and the rest for garnish.
1 tablespoon olive oil.  You may want to use a bit more - up to you.
Pinch of dried chilli flakes
small shake of ground turmeric
small shake of ground cumin
2 onions - chopped.
5 - 6 carrots (600g) - washed, chopped.   (Will be blended later).
1 cup red lentils - well rinsed  and clean
5 cups Salt reduced chicken stock  - or use 1 litre stock and 1 cup water

Options

a little drizzle of cream to swirl on top
Salt and pepper to adjust seasoning -   to your taste


Method

Before making the soup 

use your saucepan to dry roast the cumin seeds - just till you can smell the aroma.  
Use 1 teaspoon in the soup and remove the rest for garnishing later.

PS Use a large pan - because you will be blending the soup later - and if you are going to use a stick-blender it will need room to mush the veggies around and froth up a bit. This will stop it splattering over you.


Heat the oil in a large saucepan over low heat.
Cook the onion, then the chilli and spices for a few minutes until onion softens.
Add the carrots, stock and then the lentils and bring to a gentle boil
Reduce heat to medium low and simmer 20 - 30 minutes.
Check carrots are tender.
Turn off the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Check flavour and adjust with a little salt and pepper if necessary.
Use a stick blender to puree til smooth.
        Alternatively - use a  blender and puree in small batches  OR a potato masher.
If you feel the soup is a little thick for you, add a few drops of boiling water from the kettle to get the consistency you would enjoy.  Mix through very thoroughly.

Serve with a sprinkle of the reserved cumin seeds 
Option -  a drizzle of cream if desired and a few chunks of crusty toast.
                                              
                                                  Enjoy!   Colleen