Spicy Tomato and Lentil Soup Recipe

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Lightly brown the onions in the oil. Add the tomatoes chili pepper lentils cumin and basil to the pan along with the water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

When the lentils have softened use a stick blender to puree the soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. For a special touch put sour cream in a squirt bottle and squeeze a spiral onto the top of each bowl of soup and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.