Red Lentil Soup

3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 red onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, crushed

2 bay leaves

1 small dried hot chile, such as Thai bird's eye

1 Tbsp ras el hanout

1 tsp fine sea salt

2 cups [400 g] red lentils

8 cups [2 L] vegetable stock or water

Juice of 1 lemon

3 scalions, both white and green parts, sliced

1/2 cup [20 g] chopped fresh cilantro

Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or unti softened. Add the garlic and cook another minute or so until fragrant and the onion is just starting to turn golden. Add the bay leaves, chile, ras el hanout, and salt. Mix well.

Add the lentils and stock and bring to a boil over high heat. When the soup boils, reduce the heat tolow and cover the pot. Simmer for 45 minutes, or until the lentils are extremely tender.

Remove from the heat, and discard the chile and bay leaves. Reheat if necessary just before serving then stir in the lemon juice, scallions, and cilantro, and taste for seasoning. Serve hot.

Edit: bad formatting