Speedy Tomato-Basil Soup

This quick soup is also perfect for busy moms after a day at the office. It needs minimal preparation and can cook while you get changed after work. The tomatoes provide an excellent source of lycopene, a cancer-preventive pigment, and the basil adds authentic Italian flavour as well as helps alleviate digestion and headaches. 

1 onion, finely diced
2 Tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup (250 ml) red lentils
4 cups (1 litre) vegetable stock
28 oz (900 g) can crushed or diced tomatoes
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp (30 ml) dried or fresh basil,
finely chopped

In a soup pot, saut?he onion in olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lentils and stock. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper and basil and serve. Serves six.

Source: alive #247, May 2003