Warm Lentil Spread with Smoked Paprika

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the onion

   Peel and finely chop the onion. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté the onion for 5 to 6 minutes, until softened and lightly golden around the edges.

   
2. 2

   Toast the spices

   Add the tomato paste, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, taking care not to let the paprika brown.

   
3. 3

   Cook the lentils

   Add the rinsed red lentils and pour in 400 ml of water. Season with salt and black pepper, then stir. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered for 14 to 16 minutes, stirring occasionally. The lentils should be very soft, and most of the water should be absorbed.

   
4. 4

   Blend the spread

   Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture stand for 5 minutes. Blend with an immersion blender until thick and smooth; a few small pieces of onion are fine.

   
5. 5

   Finish with lemon

   Stir in 15 ml of lemon juice. Taste; the spread should be mildly tart and adequately salted, with the smoked paprika in the background. Let it cool to lukewarm before serving.