Red Lentil Soup

Here's another of Natalie's winners. I haven't tasted it yet, but she says it's a great one (and I trust her!) Plus, it's soup season, why not break out a few new recipes!

Here's that recipe:

1 c red lentils
4 c water
2 T butter
1/2 c onion, chopped
1/4 c celery chopped (I didn't have any of this)
2 T garlic minced
1 medium tomato chopped
2 c chicken broth or veg broth
1/4 c diced green pepper
1 T tabasco
1/8 tsp tumeric
1/8 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp cayenne (I didn't add this since Zoe was eating it, too)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp chili powder

Bring 2 cups water and lentils to a boil. Turn off heat. Saute onions and celery in butter (in separate pan) until soft. Add garlic and tomatoes. Saute 5 minutes. Add broth, 2 cups water and seasonings. Bring to boil. Add lentils (and water they are in). Cook 15 minutes. Add green peppers just before serving.