SPICED RED LENTIL SOUP WITH CRISPY FRIED GINGER

Spiced Red Lentil Soup with Crispy Fried Ginger image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 Spanish onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger (3-inch piece)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
2 plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 cups red lentils, picked over and rinsed
4 cups homemade or low-sodium chicken stock
4 cups water
1 dried bay leaf
1 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt, for serving
2 teaspoons canola or peanut oil
1 piece (about 5 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and cut into very thin strips (about 1/8 by 2 inches)

Steps:

In a large, heavy-bottom pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, and curry powder; cook, scraping any browned bits from bottom of pot with a wooden spoon, until onion is soft and light golden, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, and add tomatoes. Cook about 5 minutes.
Stir lentils, chicken stock, the water, and bay leaf into pot; raise heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Add salt; season with pepper. Remove from heat. Let stand about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, make fried ginger: In a medium saute pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add ginger in a single layer; cook, stirring constantly, until strips begin to turn crisp and deep golden, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer to paper towels to drain. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Remove bay leaf from pot, and discard. Using an immersion or regular blender (working in batches so as not to fill jar more than halfway), puree soup until completely smooth. Return soup to low heat until warmed through. Divide soup among six serving bowls; top each bowl with about 1 tablespoon yogurt. Garnish with fried ginger; serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 312 g, Cholesterol 2 g, Fat 6 g, Fiber 8 g, Protein 18 g, Sodium 665 g