Spiced Lentil Soup

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained

• 1 can of your favourite beans (chickpeas works well for this dish)

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 1 can chopped tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp curry powder

• 1/2 can coconut milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

• Juice of 1 lemon

Method

1. In a large pot, sauté the carrots and celery until softened.

2. Add the lentils, chickpeas (or beans of choice) chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, turmeric, curry powder and paprika. Stir well.

3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender.

4. Add the coconut milk and mix.

5. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some lentils and vegetables whole for texture.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

   Optional: delicious with a spoon full of coconut or oat yoghurt on top.