Kuwaiti Red Lentil Soup (Shaurabat Adas)

In a frying pan, heat butter or olive oil etc. and add the finely chopped onion. Fry gently until transparent, do not brown. Stir in garlic and spices (not sea salt), cook a few seconds, then add chopped fresh tomatoes.

Pick over lentils, place in a sieve and rinse under cold running water. Put into a large pot and add 6 cups water. Bring to the boil, skimming off the scum.

Once the lentils and water have come to the boil, add the onion mixture along with the dried black limes, each pierced twice with a skewer or a fork (Do not use a knife as I did that before and the loomis broke in half with the simmering and the soup was a pretty strong loomi flavour), also add the chopped, half cooked potato in now.

Return to the boil and boil gently, uncovered, for 40 minutes. [This seems long for split red lentils - I think you could get by with less time] Add sea salt to taste, and a little more water if soup looks too thick. Simmer gently for a further 25-30 minutes, uncovered, until the lentils and potato are tender. Stiring occasionally.

Serve hot in deep bowls with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze on to individual portions. Serve with khoubiz (flat bread), salad, and pickles for a lovely light Arabian meal.

Enjoy!