Bilyana's Lentil Soup

1 cup red lentils, washed

2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 stick of butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. turmeric

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp pepper

- Melt butter in sauce pan, add onions and fry until wilted, then add garlic and stir for a minute. Add tomatoes, when the tomatoes start to cook down a bit (after about 5 minutes) add lentils and stir. Add water (about 3 cups).

-Bring to a boil, then simmer and let cook until the lentils are soft. Add spices.

-Place soup in blender and blend until smooth, return to heat, cook for a few more minutes, add water and salt if needed and serve! :)

This soup is really delicious with some olive oil, lemon, and pita chips.

For the true middle eastern version: Take out the garlic, replace spices (except for salt and pepper) with ground cumin. And replace butter with 1/4 cup olive oil.

Enjoy! :)