Spicy Tomato Soup

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2-1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander
1-2 Tab. tomato paste
28-32 oz. canned tomatoes (I used diced)
1/2 cup red lentils
2 cups stock, vegetable or chicken
Optional: yogurt or sour cream, chopped parsley or basil

Heat oil in a pot and add onion and garlic and cook until onions are soft. Add red pepper flakes, cumin, coriander and tomato paste. Stir well. Add canned tomatoes, lentils and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside to cool enough to safely blend. Puree the soup until smooth. Season to taste and reheat, if necessary. Serve with a spoon of yogurt or sour cream, chopped parsley or basil and additional red pepper flakes, if desired.