Serious Comfort Food

Last Saturday was so rainy and cold, and I really needed some comfort food to warm me from the inside. I decided to try out the Red Lentil and Rice Soup from Arabesque. It gave me exactly what I was looking for -- creamy, homey, filling soup. It's what I imagine the three bears' porridge tasting like.
This isn't a glamorous soup. It's a muddy brown color, and it isn't beautiful. BUT, it's delicious. Try it on a cold, rainy day. You won't be sorry.



(I've tweaked the recipe a little.)

Red Lentil and Rice Soup

ingredients:
2 large onions, diced
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
7 1/2 cups chicken stock (homemade tastes best)
1 cup red lentils
1/2 cup arborio rice
black pepper
2 tsp ground coriander
salt
1 tsp ground cumin
3 Tbsp lemon juice

Fry the onions in the oil. Cover the pan and cook over low heat, stirring occassionally until they soften. Then cook over high heat, stirring often, until they are very brown and caramelized. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Bring the stock to a boil then add the lentils and rice. Season with balck pepper, and add the coriander. Simmer for 35 - 45 minutes, or until the lentils and rice fall apart and the soup has a creamy texture. Season again with salt and pepper, to taste.
Just before serving add the cumin and lemon juice. Top each bowl with the fried onions, an extra sprinkle of cumin, and a lemon wedge.