First boil the dal, along with half the garlic, ginger, salt and 3/4 of tomato puree.

In a separate pot, add a couple of teaspoons of olive oil, add the remainder of garlic. Saute till slightly brown, add the remaining tomato puree. Cook the tomato for a few minutes along with garlic until the raw smell goes away. Add red chili powder, cumin powder, oregano, paprika and roast the mixture. Add some water if your dal is thick. Boil it and then add the dal to it.

Simmer it for a few minutes after you add the dal to it, so that all the flavors marry. Check salt, cumin and oregano flavors at this time. If needed add to the soup and let it boil on the medium heat for an additional few minutes.

Whisk the sour cream and add to the lentils and simmer. Your yummy, delicious and easy piping hot soup is ready for the cold nights when you crave something warm.

Garnish it with a small dollop of sour cream and spring onions. Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers.