Lentil Soup with Garam Masala

This soup is one of my favorite lentil dishes. Perfect combination of aromatic spices is very satisfying and warming on a chilly fall and winter day. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teasp cumin seeds

• 1 large onion, finely diced

• 1 inch piece of ginger root

• 1 inch piece of turmeric root

• 2 garlic cloves peeled and chopped

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/2 teasp garam masala

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes or 1 can

• 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed (any lentils can be used)

• 4 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional: 

• add sliced carrots to step 3

• add couple tablespoons of coconut cream at the end, right before you turn the heat off.

Method:

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. 

2. Add garlic and onions, sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. 

3. Add fresh minced ginger and turmeric, all the spices and sauté for another minute stirring frequently to combine flavors.  

4. Add lentils, tomatoes, broth or water, salt to taste (about 1/4 teaspoons). Cover the pot with the lid,  increase the heat to a high, bring to a boil. Mix well, reduce the heat, and simmer covered until the lentils are cooked, about 20-25 minutes depending on type of lentils. 

5. Adjust seasoning and serve warm garnished with Tahini Sauce and fresh herbs of your choice.

   Note from Anastasiya:

   If your vegetables start to stick to the bottom during step 1 and 2, low down heat slightly and add some vegetable broth to the pot to deglaze vegetables. Avoid frying, sautéing vegetables in oil. It is better to add good quality oil to your plate right before serving to gain all the health benefits oils have to offer.

Tahini Sauce

• ¼ cup Tahini

• 1/3 cup water, more if needed

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1 garlic clove, grated

• 1/4 teaspoon cumin

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Method:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth.

2. If the sauce is too thick, add more water, ½ tablespoon at a time, until desirable consistency.