Mercimek Corbasi (Turkish Lentil Soup)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, celery. Sauté with medium heat for 4 minutes, stirring often.
2. Add garlic, cumin, and tomato paste, cooking for one more minute until fragrant. Add potatoes, stock, and lentils. Season with salt and black pepper and simmer on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are cooked and potatoes are fork tender.
3. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth, then taste and adjust for salt.
4. Serve in a bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice, flat-leaf parsley, and an optional drizzle of chili oil.