Tomato chargrilled red pepper and red lentil soup with a hint of Piri Piri

IN this week's healthy eating corner, columnist Sharron McCormack brings the perfect recipe to beat away those autumn chills.

She explained: "This is a perfect warming soup, rich in antioxidants and full of protein and fibre.

"The added addition of Piri Piri spice gives it a lovely little kick.

"Plus it's easy to make and uses only a few ingredients."

Ingredients

l One tin of chopped tomatoes

l 500ml water

l 150g red lentils

l One jar of chargrilled red peppers

l Two vegetable stock cubes

l One teaspoon ground pepper

l Half teaspoon of Piri Piri spice

l 100g tomato puree

l Two teaspoons dried basil

l Salt for seasoning

l Fresh basil and light cream for serving (optional)

"This dish can be made in a slow cooker, hob or soup maker," Sharron added.

Method

1: Mix all the ingredients together and cook until red lentils are soft and translucent. Cook for approximately two hours on high in a slow cooker; one to two ours on a hob or 19 minutes soup maker (or as per soup maker instructions)

2: Once cooked, blend until smooth.

3: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of light cream.

This equates to approximately 62 calories per serving.

For regular updates and other delicious recipes, see Sharron's website by logging onto www.shapeyour.uk