Red Lentil Soup- Mercimek Corba, Shorbat Ades, Supu ya Ades

This is my favorite soup. It also famously known as Kırmizi Mercimek Çorbasi a Turkish soup. Ive added carrots & Bell pepper to add more veges. It can be eaten as a meal starter and its also a comfort food when you fall sick. Recently I had my wisdom teeth extractions and this soup kept me nourished. Enjoy!!!

Ingredients:
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. mint
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. mint
2 tsp. black pepper
2 or 3 tomatoes peeled & diced
2 tablespoons ginger, garlic & parsley mix
3 potatoes cut into cubes, boiled and mash.
2 cups lentils, rinsed
3 teaspoons of tomato paste
1 large onion diced
1 green bell pepper
2 carrots - cut in small peices
2 hot chilli pepper cut in small peices.
3 tbsp. lemon juice or vinegar
2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil.
4-6 cups of water.

Directions:
1.Boil the lentils until soft in a pot with 4 cups of water. Takes approx 30 minutes.
2.Saute the onions in a saucepan with the oil. Add the ginger paste, and spices. Then add the carrots, diced tomatoes,bell pepper & hot chilli. Add the tomato paste and 1/2 cup of water and let it simmer.
3. Add the onion/vege mixture and mashed potatoes to the soft lentil, stir it well. Add the salt and lemon/vinegar and let boil. Take a hand held immersion blender and blend the soup.(I like it blended you can leave it as it is). You can add more water to make the soup thinner. Can add more spices or salt to your liking.
4.Serve with a peice of lemon and warm bread. Bon appetite.