Lentil and Caramelised Onion Soup

Lentil and Caramelised Onion

The caramelised onion and fresh herbs and spice give this lentil soup another dimension.

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:  25 minutes

Ingredients

400g red lentils

100g brown rice

1 litre vegetable stock

1 litre water

1 tbsp ground cumin

40g butter

2 large onions, peeled & finely sliced

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

A good pinch of cayenne pepper

Small handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Small handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped

250ml vegetable stock (extra)

Sea salt & freshly ground pepper

To serve:

Crusty Bread

Preparation method

1.  Rinse the lentils and rice under cold water and drain, place into a large pan and cover with the vegetable stock and water.  Add the cumin and bring to the boil.  Now reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.

2.  Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large frying pan, add the onions and fry until softened.  Add the sugar and balsamic vinegar, stir until caramelised.

4.  Stir through the cayenne pepper, coriander and parsley into the lentils and bring to the boil.  Stir in the caramelised onions and extra stock, stir until heated through, season to taste.

5.  Divide into soup bowls and serve with crusty bread.