Madras Curry Lentil & Vegetable Soup

Madras Curry Lentil &Amp; Vegetable Soup Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil1 cup yellow or brown onion (diced)3 cloves garlic (minced)1 inch ginger (grated)1/2 tsp red chilli powder or flakes (optional)2 cups potatoes (cut into 1 cm cubes)2 cups carrots (cut into 1 cm cubes)1 cup celery (cut into 1 cm cubes)2 cups tomatoes (finely diced)1 tbsp curry powder of choice1 lt chicken or vegetable stock1/2 cup red lentils1 tsp salt (to taste)1/2 tsp ground black pepper (to taste)1 tbsp cilantro or parsley (chopped, for garnishing)

Steps

Heat oil in a large pot over medium high.Add onion, garlic & ginger, cook for 5 mins or until onion has turned translucent.Add curry powder & red chilli powder (if using) stir for 1 min.Add carrot, celery, tomato & potato, stir well & cook for 5 mins.Add lentils, stock, salt & pepper, stir well.Cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low & simmer for 20-30 mins, or until vegetables are tender.Blend until smooth using an immersion blender, taste to adjust seasoning & continue cooking until soup reaches desired consistency.Garnish with chopped herbs, chilli flakes & olive oil (optional) & serve with lemon wedge plus bread of choice.