Faki Lentil Soup

Ahh the lentil.  Butt of so many jokes when it comes to vegetarian cooking, but invaluable in making so many delicious soups, casseroles and even pate. For years, all I could think about when I heard about anyone cooking with lentils was Neil from The Young Ones.  Indeed, I suspect that he did more to set back the cause of the humble pulse, and probably vegetarians as a whole, than anything else I can think of.

But now I'm a bit addicted to them, which is something I never thought I'd say, what with being a ravenous carnivore and all (like a T-Rex from Jurassic Park, but less likely to eat Bob Peck - he's all gristle anyway, I've heard...) and I use them in all sorts of things, from being the basis of veggie chillies, lasagnes and Shepards pies (is it still a Shepard's Pie if there is no actual Shepard, umm, meat in it?  Answers in the comments section please...)