Carrot and Red Lentil Soup with Asian Spices

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I had a substantial quantity of carrots that had to be used, and a recipe that uses lots of them that I had long wanted to try. Guess what I did today? The recipe comes from the old Union Square Cafe Cookbook and it's for a silken carrot soup that has Indian overtones. It has a mild curry flavor and a pleasant warmth that comes from the addition of a small amount of cayenne pepper. The soup may be too spicy for children, but adults will love it. Its real glory, however, is a molten and riveting color that will brighten the gloomiest of days. While there is some chopping involved, this soup is easy to make and table ready in about an hour. I think you will like it, especially if your palate is seeking new flavors. Even the Silver Fox, who looks askance at any preparation that involves copious amounts of vegetables, enjoyed it. I hope you will give this a try. Here's the recipe.

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup with Asian Spices...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite adapted from The Union Square Cafe Cookbook

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1-1/2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

3/4 cup sliced onions

3/4 cup peeled and sliced parsnips

4 cups peeled and sliced carrots

1/2 cup sliced celery

1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup red lentils

1/4 cup basmati rice

7 cups vegetable stock or water

3/4 cup coconut milk

2 tablespoons lime juice

Directions:

1) Heat olive oil in a 3-quart pot or Dutch oven over low heat. Stir in ginger and spices and cook for 1 minute. Add onions, parsnips, carrot, and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Raise heat to medium, cover, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are softened, but not browned.

2) Stir in lentils and basmati rice, mixing until well combined with vegetables. Add stock or water and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until vegetables and rice are tender. In batches, puree the soup in a blender until smooth.

3) Return soup to saucepan, bring back to a boil, and stir in coconut milk and lime juice. Cook for 1 more minute and serve. Yield: 6 servings.