Curried Lentil and Spinach Soup

4 servings

Preparation 10 minutes / Cooking 45 minutes
220 calories per serving

1-1/4 cup green-brown lentils (dried)
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 carrot, finely chopped
1/2 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
1/4 dried chili pepers, minced
1/2 tbsp gingerroot, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
3/4 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 bay leaf
4-1/2 water
3 cups spinach, coarsely chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup yogurt, plain, 2%

Rinse and drain the lentils, then set aside.
Prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the onions, carrots, and celery, mince or press the garlic. Mince the chili pepper and ginger. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, then saute 8-10 minutes until they are golden-coloured with occasional stirring. Stir in the curry powder, chili pepper, ginger, cumin and bay leaf. Cook 1 minute with stirring, then pour in the water and lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Add more water to thin the soup, if desired.
Add the spinach to the soup and simmer until it is wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of yogurt and serve.

This soup keeps up to 7 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

From http://www.soscuisine.com/

REALLY ENJOYED THIS SOUP. MILD FLAVOUR. FRAGRANT. THE LENTILS HAVE A REALLY "MEATY" TEXTURE AND FLAVOUR. THE CURRY IS VERY UNDERSTATED.