Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
A lovely vegetarian dish I adapted from ‘The Dinner Ladies’ that can be served like a dahl alongside other curries or on it’s own like a soup. I often add a portion or two of diced white fish to cook for a minute or so just before serving to make a complete meal. It freezes well but tastes best if you add the kale (and if you’re using it, the fish) when you reheat.
Serves 4-6.
4-6 kale leaves, chopped
400g tinned chopped tomatoes
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, diced
2 tablespoons concentrated tomato puree
2 inch piece of fresh ginger, chopped or grated
2 teaspoons each ground cumin and coriander, toasted
1/2 teaspoon tumeric
pinch chilli flakes
1.5 cups red lentils
1 cup coconut milk
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
For Serving: Half bunch coriander, chopped; Lemon/lime juice
- Saute the onions, ginger and garlic over a low heat in a little olive oil stirring frequently until soft and sweet – about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Still stirring add tomato paste, cumin, coriander, tumeric, nutmeg, pepper and chilli flakes.
- Add the lentils to the onion mixture and stir through.
- Then cover with stock, tomatoes and coconut milk.
- Bring to the boil and simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes unil the lentils are completely cooked and have collapsed into a puree.
- At this stage taste for flavour. Add salt, pepper and garam masala if you wish. Now it can be frozen.
- Defrost and bring to the boil. Add the kale and the fish if using. Boil for one to two minutes.
- Just before serving add chopped coriander, some lemon or lime juice, .
