Soup on Sunday: Red Lentil Coriander Soup

So far Dr. Joshi's 21 day detox diet has gone fairly well. By far, the hardest aspect of the detox has been eliminating caffeine from my diet. I have been really irritable for the past few days! I had NO idea how much I LOVE my morning coffee. I really should take this opportunity to apologize to my sweet husband, he has patiently put up with my short-temperedness during the initial phase. However, I can report that the cravings have now begun to subside and I actually enjoy the hot water and lemon each morning. As for today I am looking forward to this yummy soup. Enjoy.

1/2 cup (approx.100 grams) red lentils, picked over and washed
7 cups vegetable stock
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
6 carrots, diced
1/4 cup packed fresh coriander sprigs, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped scallion greens
cayenne to taste
sea salt
ground black pepper
fresh coriander sprigs

In a 4-quart saucepan heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until onion is translucent. Add carrots, ground coriander, cumin, and turmeric and sauté until carrots have softened. Pour in vegetable stock and lentils. Bring to a boil; skim any froth and simmer, partially covered, 15 minutes.

Stir in coriander, scallion greens, cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer an additional 10 minutes or until lentils are cooked. Serve soup garnished with coriander sprigs.

Serves 4

Soup Update:
We just made this soup for lunch - very yummy! We tried an experiment with one bowl. We pureed it until smooth and added lemon juice. It was delicious! If I were doing this with the whole pot, I would use less broth (6 cups) and more lentils (3/4 cup or more depending on how thick you like your soup). Depending on your taste add the juice of 1-2 lemons.