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      25 g/1 oz/2 tbsp butter or margarine 
      1 onion, chopped 
      1 carrot, chopped 
      2 celery sticks, chopped 
      225 g/8 oz lentils, soaked overnight in cold water, then drained 
      2 liters/3.5 pints/8.5 cups water 
      300 ml/0.5 pt/1.25 cups milk 
      30 ml/2 tbsp lemon juice 
      Salt and freshly ground black pepper 
      
      15 ml/1 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour (optional) 
      Extra 15 ml/1 tbsp butter or margarine (optional) 
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      Method : 
      
      Melt the butter or margarine in a large saucepan and fry (saute) the 
      onion, carrot and celery until soft but not brown. Add the lentils and 
      water, bring to the boil and simmer for about 45 minutes until the lentils 
      are soft. Puree in a food processor or blender, then return to the pan. 
      Add the milk and lemon juice, season to taste and bring back to the boil. 
      If the soup is not thick enough, mix the flour and additional butter or 
      margarine to a paste, stir into the soup and simmer for a few minutes 
      until thickened.  |