Chadian Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup Lentils
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 garlic, cloves. minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed saffron threads
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 celery rib, thinly sliced
• 1 small turnip, peeled and diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes with juice
• 8 cups fat-free vegetable broth (beef broth optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Rinse Lentils several times in cold water, setting aside to drain.
2. Heat garlic in olive oil in large saucepan, being careful not to scorch garlic.
3. Add Onion and saffron and cook, stirring, until onions are tender (add a few drops of water if onions try to stick).
4. Add carrots, celery, and turnip, cooking 10 minutes over low heat.
5. Add Lentils, broth, tomatoes, and parsley.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
8. Simmer over low heat 1 1/2 hours until Lentils are tender and broth is slightly thickened.
9. Add lemon juice just before serving.