2. Mexican Lentil Soup
This is a soup for spice enthusiasts, a real Mexican delight. Allowing the lentils to soften in a separate pan, prepare the base of the soup by sweating onions and garlic with fresh chili peppers. Using a low-fat spray for this is a great way of keeping this dish as healthy as possible. Add a tin of tomatoes to the onions, garlic, and chili and allow to bubble away nicely in the background.
Turning your attention back to the lentils, ensure they are sufficiently softened and then rinse in cold, salted water for around 5 minutes. The saltwater will freshen the lentils up and add a hint of flavor that will help them stand out in the finished dish.
Add the lentils to the main soup pan and add a splash of boiling water to keep it on the boil. Stir as necessary whilst adding chili flakes and black pepper to taste. A bowl of this soup is best served with tortilla strips as croutons and with slices of ripe avocado on the side, to cool any fiery palates.