Hello ! Bonjour !

 It seems like forever since I last wrote, probably because it has been. I have had way to much on my plate, work, work and more work and meetings like almost every day, so the blog had to be put on the back burner for a little while.

Plus I went on  a short vacation to the states. It was my first time back to the states since I moved to France three years ago, so it was pretty important. I did loads of fun things and will post pictures as soon as I have the chance, keep a look at for the one about Paris, Kentucky !

And now Ramadan has started... meaning no food or drink during daylight hours (4am-10pm) and this is for a month so today til August 18 with a huge party on the 19th.

Our dinner from last night and probably are dinner tonight made in under an hour : Eggplant and Potato Kebab with Rice, Salad and Red Lentil soup,  a great way to start Ramadan off on the healthy foot.

If you are interested in reading something specific about Paris, France, or Europe, don't hesitate to comment. Your IDEAS are welcome.

Turkish Recipe : Mercimek Corbasi

or better known in english as Red Lentil Soup.

Lentils are a turkish staple, everytime I go to someone's house for dinner we eat this soup - because it is good and easy to make.
At my house, we eat this soup at least once a week, it is perfect for when feeling a little under the weather or when looking for a filling soup. Usually goes perfect with a salad or köfte (little hamburgers) which I will post later in the week.

Red Lentils

This recipe is based off the recipe found here :
for the soup: makes 6 servings
1 cup red lentils
1 medium size onion - I usually grate the onion but finely chopped works well too
1 carrot - as with the onion I grate the carrot. if you don't like carrots you can substitute one small potato as well
1 tbsp tomato or pepper paste - Sauce biber or pepper paste is very difficult to come by in the usa so
1 tsp salt - I usually give my husband
4 cups of water

spices to add : mint, basil or paprika
--With a regular pot: Sautee the onion with 1 tbsp oil for 3-4 minutes. Add the paste and cook for a couple of minutes, and add the rest of the soup ingredients. Put everything for the soup in a big pot and cook on medium heat until the lentils are soft and mushy, for about 20-25 minutes.
Then enjoy!