Smoked Paprika & Red Lentil Soup

I was given this recipe by my sister Emily. It about 40 pence per portion and takes about 20 mins to make... Yummy and warming the smoked paprika gives the soup a rich and meaty flavour despite not having any actual meat. Though I am not usually over cautious when it comes to picking foods acording to their relative health benefits this is a lunch I often eat when trying to cut back on fatty calories and has a very low GI..

Slice one small onion and sweat in a little olive oil for a few minutes (You can also use coconut oil; I have been told this oil increases your metabolism.... do we believe? I'm not so sure...). Add one teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 cloves of crushed garlic and a sprig or two of thyme (dried is fine). When the onions are soft add one and a half cups of red lentils and 750ml of veg stock (or beef if you are feeling less healthy). Cover with a lid and simmer for 10-15 mins or until the lentils are cooked.

Finish with a good squeeze of lemon juice and some salt to taste. Top with freshly chopped tomatoes and a sprinkle of parsley.

Used as a base this soup recipe makes a really good fish stew: Add an extra half  to a whole cup of lentils and throw in some cubes of chorizo while frying the onions. When the lentils are nearly cooked add some chunks of white fish and a handful of prawns. Simmer for an extra 5 minutes or so until the fish is done.