Curry-laced tomato-lentil broth

8 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupRed lentils
4cupsWater
¼teaspoonTurmeric
2cupsCanned crushed tomatoes
teaspoonCumin
2teaspoonsGround coriander
½teaspoonCayenne pepper
1teaspoonMinced onion
1teaspoonMinced garlic
Salt to taste
1tablespoonLemon juice
1tablespoonVegetable oil
1teaspoonBlack mustard seeds
2tablespoonsChopped fresh coriander

Directions

From "Classic Indian Vegetarian and Grain Cooking," by Julie Sahni (William Morrow).

Wash lentils thoroughly. Place in a pot with 3 cups water and turmeric. Cook, partially covered, until very tender, about 30 minutes.

Combine lentils and 1 cup water in a deep pot. Whisk to crush some of the lentils. Add the tomatoes, cumin, ground coriander, cayenne, onion, garlic and salt and bring to a boil. Lower heat and cook, partially covered, 10 minutes. Add lemon juice.

Heat oil in a small skillet until hot. Add mustard seeds and cover so the seeds do not fly out of the pan. When they stop spattering, mix into soup. Stir in fresh coriander.

Makes 6-8 servings.