Cypriot Sour Lentil Soup (fakes Xithati) (vegan)

Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Ingredients

• 2 cups brown lentils
• 8 cups water, plus 1/4 cup cold water separated
• 1 cup spring onion, finny chopped (green onions)
• 1 garlic clove, crushed (optional)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon rice flour (regular flour may be used if not gluten free)
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (not halal)
• sea salt, to taste
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, cut in wedges (to serve)

Recipe

• 1 pick over lentils and wash in several changes of cold water. drain.
• 2 put lentils in a large pot with 8 cups water, spring onion, garlic if used, olive oil and parsley.
• 3 bing to a boil, cover pan and simmer on low heat for 1 hour or until lentils are soft.
• 4 put 1/4 cup water and flour in a screw top jar, seal and shake until thoroughly combined. this prevents lumps forming. pour this gradually into the boiling soup, stirring constantly until thickened slightly.
• 5 add vinegar, sea salt and pepper to taste. return to the boil and boil gently for 5 minutes. serve with wedges of fresh lemon to squeeze onto individual portions and a fresh salad if wished.