How to make
Rinse and strain the lentils. Clean the vegetables, cut the onions in halves and slice them, dice the carrots and potatoes.
Heat 3 tbsp of olive oil in a pot at moderate temperature. Saute the onions, carrots, and potatoes for about 10 minutes. Add the lentils and stir. Pour in enough boiling water to cover the vegetables.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes. Add more water if needed. Heat 4-5 tbsp of olive oil into a small sauce pan and cook the tomato paste for 4-5 minutes. Set aside and add the spearmint, paprika, black pepper and salt.
Mix the ingredients to achieve a thick paste. Blend the soup once it is cooked. Add the tomato paste and a cup of boiling water and blend again. Season with more salt if needed.
Again heat 2-3 tbsp of olive oil and add a tsp of paprika and the pepper flakes. Serve the lentil soup in deep dishes and season with the pepper flake mix on top.
