If using tinned green lentils, rinse them thoroughly and leave them to drain well in a sieve. Then pat them dry with kitchen paper or a tea towel.
If using dried lentils, rinse them thoroughly, then cook them in lightly salted water for about 20 minutes. Rinse them in cold water and leave them to drain well in a sieve. Then pat them dry with kitchen paper or a tea towel.
Soup and lentils
Toss the cauliflower florets with a good glug of olive oil and season with salt, freshly ground pepper, cumin and thyme.
Spread them out on a baking tray together with the onions, placed cut side down, and the garlic cloves.
Roast in a preheated fan oven at 200°C for about 35-40 minutes - on one of the upper shelves.
Toss the lentils with a little olive oil too and season with salt and freshly ground pepper – plus a little smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder or whatever flavours you fancy, if you like.
Spread them out on a second baking tray lined with baking paper and bake them in the oven as well, on one of the lower shelves, alongside the cauliflower for about 20-25 minutes. Turn them once during baking.Leave the lentils to cool on the baking tray.
When the cauliflower is tender and golden, tip it into a blender together with the onions and garlic - remember to remove the skins from the onions and garlic before they go into the blender.
If you like, set aside a few of the small cauliflower florets - they make a lovely garnish on top of the soup.
Pour over the hot stock and blend the soup until completely smooth.
Add the cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice - start with the juice of 1/2 lemon and give the soup a quick blend. Season to taste with more lemon juice, salt and freshly ground pepper.
Serve the soup topped with crispy lentils, fresh thyme and, if you like, a few of the small cauliflower florets. Drizzle with a little olive oil and serve.