*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                    Red Lentil Soup with Spicy Sizzle

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 8    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Soups

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   6      teaspoons     Olive oil
   2                    Onion(s) -- chopped
                        1 1/2 cups)
   3                    Garlic clove(s) -- finely chopped
   2      teaspoons     Ground cumin seeds
   8      cups          Chicken or vegetable stock
   1 1/2  cups          Red lentils -- rinsed
     1/3  cup           Bulgur
   2      tablespoons   Tomato paste
   1                    Bay leaf
   3      tablespoons   Lemon juice
                        Salt and pepper
   1      teaspoon      Paprika
   1      teaspoon      Cayenne

In soup pot, heat 2 tsp of the oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, 
until softened, 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cumin and cook for 1 minute. Add bulgur,
 tomato paste and bay leaf, bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook
 over low heat until the lentils and bulgur are very tender, 25-30 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

 Ladle about 4 cups of soup into a food processor and puree. Return pureed soup
 to pot and heat through. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
 Just before serving, ladle soup into bowls. Heat remaining 4 tsp of oil in a small skille
t and stir in paprika and red pepper. Drizzle about 1/2 tsp of the sizzling spice mixture
 over each bowlful and serve.



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