Hearty Indian Dal (Lentil) Soup

This simple, hearty soup is easy to make. Lovely with garlic naan or whole-wheat tortilla, it’s a satisfying meal at the end of the day. Great next-day flavors, as they are melded even more nicely, then.

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 cups dried red dal, rinsed clean
1 tablespoon vegetable oil/butter
1 medium red onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
½-inch ginger, chopped
1 large tomato, chopped  
1-inch stick cinnamon                      
½ teaspoon turmeric                            
1 cup coconut milk                            
3 cups water
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat oil/butter; sauté onion till transparent, about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic and ginger; sauté 2 minutes on high heat.
3. Add tomato, cinnamon and turmeric; mix well.
4. Add coconut milk and water. Bring to a quick boil.
5. Lower heat and simmer 20 minutes with lid on, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to bottom of pan.  Season as needed with salt and pepper.