Puy Lentil Soup with Dried Mushrooms

As much as I want to deny that summer is over yet, the weather has been chilly lately. I have been cooking soups for a few days now. This one is a  favorite in our house! No photos because it doesn't look quite appealing ;) but give it a try if you like lentils/mushrooms because it is delicious. Defne loves this soup very much.
Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
3 tbs of olive oil
1 handful of dried shiitake mushrooms
2 tbs of red pepper paste (optional)
1 cup of puy lentils
salt
1/4 tea spoon of freshly grated nutmeg
1)Put the puy lentils in a saucepan, add water,bring to boil and then simmer until lentils are done.(You may need to add more boiled water)
2)Meanwhile soak dried mushrooms in freshly boiled water.Wait for 5 minutes, rinse and wash them.Then soak them in freshly boiled water for the 2nd time.This time they should stay in water for about half an hour.When done,chop them. Do not discard the water this time around.It will be used in the soup.
3)Saute onions in olive oil.When they are translucent, add the paste and stir for a few minutes.
4)When lentils are done, discard their water.Put them in a saucepan and add all other ingredients.Add more boiled water, bring to boil. Simmer for 10 min. and serve hot. Enjoy!