Lentil Cream Soup

Makes about 6 servings

1 cup red lentils

1. In a stock pot heat oil over medium-low heat. Cook onion, garlic,carrot, celery, parsley, red pepper and saute  for about 5 minutes.Add paprika, cumin, dried mint, tomato and lentils and stir.
2. Add the vegetable soup and bring to boil. Reduce heat, add basil, chili pepper and bay leaf, cover, and simmer until lentils are very tender to bite.
3. Puree soup with a stick blender or food processor until smooth and strain it through a sieve. Add salt and pepper. 
4. Pour the hot soup into warmed bowls and garnish with dried mint, cumin seeds, red chilli pepper slices and sour cream or yogurt. Serve with lemon wedges and toasted bread or bread croutons.