Ezogelin Corbasi (Turkish Lentil and Bulgur Soup with Mint)

Ingredients

• 4 T unsalted butter
• 4 T olive oil
• 2 large white onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, or 2 banana peppers, chopped, seeds removed
• 1/4 c tomato paste (I use no salt added)
• 2 T sweet paprika
• 2 15-ounce cans pureed or diced tomatoes (I use no salt added)
• 8 cups boiling water
• 2 c dried red lentils
• 1/2 c brown rice
• 1/2 c bulgur
• 1 T dried mint
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Salt
• pepper
• Chili flakes to taste (optional)