RED LENTIL AND CARROT SOUP

Red Lentil and Carrot Soup image

Yield Makes about 8 cups, serving 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

3/4 pound red lentils*, picked over
7 cups water
1 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
5 carrots (about 10 ounces), halved lengthwise and sliced thin crosswise
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup packed fresh coriander sprigs, washed well, spin dry, and chopped fine
1/4 cup chopped scallion greens
cayenne to taste
Garnish: fresh coriander sprigs
*available at natural foods stores and specialty foods shops

Steps:

In a 4-quart saucepan bring lentils and water to a boil and skim froth. Stir in onion, garlic, ground coriander, cumin, and turmeric and simmer, partially covered, 15 minutes. Stir in carrots and bell pepper and simmer until carrots are tender, about 10 minutes. Soup may be prepared up to this point 3 days ahead, cooled, uncovered, and chilled, covered.
Stir in coriander, scallion greens, cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve soup garnished with coriander sprigs.