Rumpy Pumpy Soup

In the Hairy Bikers' cookery book " Mums Know Best" there is a recipe intriguingly called Rumpy Pumpy Soup. It turns out that this is not what you may think but refers to the well known flatulence causing effect of lentils.

This is my version of a very tasty and economical soup

2 onions
3 carrots
2 sticks of celery


Add more or less any other veg you like, I had a leek and some raw swede left over so added that.

2 litres of chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup red lentils, washed
salt and pepper

Finely chop all the vegetables

Sweat off the onion carrots and celery in a little oil for about 5 minutes add the other vegetables, the lentils and the stock. Bring to the boil, stirring frequently to make sure the lentils don't stick to the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the lentils and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Season to taste. Either leave the soup as it is or whizz it up with a stick blender to form a smooth soup.

You could spice up the soup with curry powder or add left over ham or chicken, the possibilities are endless.