Creamy French Lentil Soup

1: Fill a large pot with 3 cups of water. Add soaked lentils, bayleaf, cinnamon stick, star anise, peppercorns, salt and turmeric. Bring it to a boil, cover it, reduce heat and simmer until they are tender. Set aside.

2: Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds.

3: Once cumin seeds crackle, add garlic and sauté for a minute.

4: Add onion and salt. Fry till they are brown and translucent.

5: Add tomato purée and ground cumin. Cook till oil starts separating.

6: Stir in cream and cook till oil starts separating.

7: Add cooked French lentils, cover the lid and let it cook for 3-4 mins.

8: Stir in chopped cilantro and caramelized onions. Your soup is ready.

9: Heat butter in a small pan. Add tomatoes, stir for a minute on high flame. Add it to the soup.

10: Serve hot and enjoy.