COCONUT CURRY RED LENTIL SOUP

CURRIED LENTIL SOUP
Serves: 6-8
Prep & Cook Time: about 40 minutes

This exquisite vegan soup is packed with protein and antioxidants. So warming and nourishing, it feels like a loving hug in a cozy winter day! Please don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients, you probably already have most of them in your pantry anyway. Some of the items can also be omitted or easily swapped by something else you might have on hand (brown for red lentils, olive for coconut oil, water for broth, pita bread for the naan, etc.) You may need to adjust seasoning and cooking time depending on the type of lentils you use. Please feel free to share in the comments any substitutions you may do for this dish. I would love to try it as well! 

• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh organic ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (preferably organic)
• 2 tbsp organic curry powder
• ½ tsp chipotle or pepperoncini (red pepper) flakes
• 6 cups (48 fl oz carton) vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (from a BPA-free can)
• 1 can (400ml) organic unsweetened coconut milk (BPA-free can)
• 2 cups dry red lentils
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• a dash of pippali (long pepper, a healing ayurvedic herb) if you have, optional
• chopped herbs such as cilantro, basil or parsley for garnish, optional
• whole wheat naan bread, lightly toasted (optional)

In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat and sautée the onion, garlic and ginger for a couple of minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Add the tomato paste, curry powder, pepper flakes and cook for another minute. Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, coconut milk and lentils. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat to low and simmer for about 25 minutes, until the lentils are very tender, stirring occasionally so the lentils dont burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, stir in the greens and garnish with the toasted naan on the side. Leftovers are amazing heated with a touch of water.  Enjoy it with a smile :-) 

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