Carrot and Red Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tsp olive oil;
• 1 small onion peeled and chopped;
• 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped;
• 1 medium cooking apple, cored, peeled and chopped;
• 1 stock cube dissolved in 1 pint hot water;
• 1 bay leaf;
• 100g dried red lentils;
• pinch of cinnamon;
• freshly milled pepper.

Method

• Heat oil in pan.
• Add onions and cook over a low heat until soft.
• Add the carrots, stir well and cook for 5 mins.
•  Add the apple, stock, and bay leaf. 
• Bring to the boil then add the lentils and reduce the heat cover and simmer for 20-30 mins until the lentils are soft. 
• Add pepper and cinnamon and remove the bay leaf. 
• Serve as it is or blend to smooth. 
• Top with chopped chives or parsley.