Curried Carrot Lentil Soup

Curried Carrot Lentil Soup

2

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped

3 large stalks celery, chopped

2 leeks, white and light green only, chopped

1/3 lemon, chopped (both peel and segments)

6 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tablespoon ground cumin, more to taste

1 teaspoon ground cardamom, more to taste

2 teaspoons garam masala, more to taste

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, more to taste

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more to taste

1/2 pound red lentils

8 cups vegetable broth or water, more as needed

Salt and pepper

Cilantro, chopped, garnish

1. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Stir in the carrots, celery, leeks, lemon and garlic, along with the cumin, cardamom, garam masala, smoked paprika and cayenne.

3. Cook, stirring frequently until the vegetables are softened and the spices are aromatic, 6 to 8 minutes.

4. Stir in the lentils and broth, and bring to a boil over high heat.

5. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, loosely cover and cook until the vegetables and lentils are tender, about 20 minutes.

6. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Puree the soup either using a hand blender or in batches using a food processor.

8. Check the soup for consistency, adding additional liquid if desired to thin.

9. Taste and adjust the spices and seasonings if desired.

10.  Ladle soup into a bowl and garnish with cilantro.